The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

S.E. Cupp Nov 03, 2024

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and host of the daily TV show Battleground. She was most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom.

The always-insightful and fun S.E.'s back in The Back Room for a homestretch chat about the most critical, consequential election in United States history.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

George Conway Nov 02, 2024

George Conway is an attorney, political activist, and legal and political commentator. He is president of the Society for the Rule of Law, the executive director of the Anti-Psychopath Political Action Committee, and a founder of the Lincoln Project. He is a host of The Bulwark’s podcast George Conway Explains It All (to Sarah Longwell), and he is a contributing writer to The Atlantic. He previously worked as a litigator for three decades at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York City.

With the most important, consequential election in American history just four days away, we're thrilled to have George back with us to share his unique homestretch analysis.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Gretchen Carlson Nov 01, 2024

Gretchen Carlson is an acclaimed journalist, NY Times bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for women’s rights in the workplace. She went public in 2016 with harassment claims against then Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, paving the way for the #MeToo movement. Gretchen spent over 30 years as a journalist and has hosted the Saturday edition of CBS’s The Early Show, Fox & Friends and The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. She is co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit organization fighting to eradicate forced arbitration clauses and non-disclosure agreements in workplace contracts that keep toxic workplace issues silent.

With just four days to go until the most critical, consequential election in American history, Gretchen's back in The Back Room giving her 11th hour thoughts on this nail-biter of a presidential race.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dr. Bandy X. Lee Oct 30, 2024

Bandy X Lee, M.D. is a forensic and social psychiatrist and a world expert on violence who taught at Yale School of Medicine and Yale Law School for 17 years before joining the Harvard Program in Psychiatry and the Law. She became known to the public for leading a group of mental health professional colleagues in breaking the silence about the immediate past U.S. president’s dangerous psychology and publishing the New York Times bestseller, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President. The volume proceeded from an ethics conference she organized at Yale School of Medicine, which led to her consulting with over 50 members of the U.S. Congress. She is currently president of the World Mental Health Coalition. She penned over 300 opinion editorials in outlets such as the Guardian, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Independent, and Politico. Her new book is THE MORE DANGEROUS CASE OF DONALD TRUMP: 40 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Warn Anew.

Dr. Lee pulls no punches as she continues to loudly sound the alarm bells about the grave dangers of another Trump presidency. Join us for this riveting and at times chilling conversation.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Charlie Warzel Oct 28, 2024

Charlie Warzel is a journalist who helps audiences to make sense of our current digital moment, analyzing technology and media in a time of intense upheaval and cultural change. He's a Staff Writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Galaxy Brain, about technology, media, and big ideas. Previously he was a writer at large for The New York Times’ Opinion section.

Charlie and I discuss the worsening assault on truth, facts and reality in America in the AI and digital age.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney Oct 26, 2024

Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney are co-founders of the recently launched bi-partisan superPAC The Seneca Project, which is dedicated to mobilizing women voters in key swing states to ensure Democratic victory in November in order to safeguard women’s rights, healthcare access, the preservation of democracy, and the defeat of the extremist MAGA agenda.

Tara's a former GOP Communications Director on Capitol Hill and most recently served as a Senior Advisor for The Lincoln Project and host of the live show The Breakdown. She’s a contributor on MSNBC and other news outlets, has been a frequent guest host on ABC’s The View, Sirius XM’s The Michael Smerconish Program, and has several appearances on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. After 27 years as a Republican she left the party in November 2020 after Donald Trump refused to concede the election to Joe Biden. Michelle previously served as the Creative Director at The Lincoln Project. She's also a photojournalist, previously served as VP of WestSide Democrats in NYC, and was publicly elected to the New York County Democratic Committee. Prior to entering the political arena, she was a performing artist and producer.

There's just 10 days to go before the most critical, consequential election in history. Join us for this lively, insightful homestretch chat about the super-tight presidential race.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Lee Yaron Oct 23, 2024

Lee Yaron has been a journalist with Israeli newspaper Haaretz for nearly a decade. Her investigative reporting has resulted in the founding of state-level commissions and the changing of substantial bodies of Israeli policy and law. She is an elected member-representative of the Executive Committee of the Union of Israeli Journalists. She has also written and directed acclaimed theater productions notable for their use of found materials, including official governmental texts, to bring attention to marginalized communities both in Israel and throughout the Middle East. Born in Tel Aviv, Yaron splits her time between her native city and New York. Her new book is 10/7: 100 Human Stories.

Lee shares in riveting detail the impact of the horrific October 7, 2023 massacre on the diverse victims, the global community, and on her own life.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jason Stanley Oct 21, 2024

Jason Stanley is the Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University. He is the author of six books, including How Propaganda Works. He serves on the board of the Prison Policy Initiative and writes frequently about propaganda, free speech, mass incarceration, democracy, and authoritarianism for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and many other periodicals. His new book, Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future, is on sale next week.

Jason and I discuss his book and the existential threat to democracy of another Trump presidency

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ruth Ben-Ghiat Oct 19, 2024

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 for another insightful conversation about Trump, Trumpism and the existential threat to democracy just two weeks from the most critical, consequential election in American history.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jon Michaels Oct 17, 2024

Jon Michaels is a UCLA professor of law specializing in constitutional and national security law. His award-winning scholarship has appeared in the Yale Law Journal, University of Chicago Law Review, and Harvard Law Review, and he has written popular essays for the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Foreign Affairs, and Guardian. A Yale Law graduate and Supreme Court clerk, Jon is a member of the American Law Institute and serves on the advisory board of UCLA’s Safeguarding Democracy Project. His latest book, co-written with David Noll, is VIGILANTE NATION: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens our Democracy.

Jon and I discuss his new book and the increasing use of vigilantism by the Republican Party and red states in targeting vulnerable groups in America to influence cultural, legal and political outcomes.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Bill Adair Oct 14, 2024

Bill Adair is the founder of the Pulitzer Prize winning website PolitiFact and is the Knight Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy at Duke University and the director of the Duke Reporters’ Lab. His awards include the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting (with the PolitiFact staff), the Manship Prize for New Media in Democratic Discourse, and the Everett Dirksen Award for Distinguished Coverage of Congress. His new book is BEYOND THE BIG LIE The Epidemic of Political Lying, Why Republicans Do It More, and How It Could Burn Down Our Democracy.

Join us for this compelling chat about the breakdown of truth, facts and reality in politics, and its existential threat to democracy.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Oct 12, 2024

Joe Walsh is a former Republican Congressman from Illinois elected to Congress in the TEA Party wave of 2010. Following his service in Congress, Walsh became one of the most popular syndicated conservative talk radio hosts in the country. In August of 2019 he ran for president, waging a Republican primary challenge against Donald Trump. He is the author of the 2020 book F*CK SILENCE: Calling Trump Out for the Cultish, Moronic, Authoritarian Con Man he Is. Joe is currently Director of The Social Contract and host of “The Social Contract With Joe Walsh" podcast. He can also be seen regularly on CNN, MSNBC and News Nation and has been written up in major publications like the NYT, Washington Post, The Daily Beast, The Guardian, Raw Story and Newsweek.

Joe's back with his inimitable wit, wisdom and flowery F-bombs talkin' Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, the presidential campaign and his predictions for the upcoming election!

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Joanne "JoJo From Jerz" Carducci Oct 09, 2024

Joanne Carducci, also known as "JoJoFromJerz", is a mom living in the Jersey suburbs who, in the wake of the 2016 election, was looking for an outlet to share her frustrations and fears about Donald Trump, so she joined Twitter (X), where she now has over 1-million followers. And she hasn’t looked back since. What once was a sounding board to vent with like-minded people, has turned into a full-time commitment to standing up for democracy & against tyranny in her signature snark and sass. And, she was even played by Dakota Johnson on SNL! You can find her on all the socials, at http://Patreon.com/JoJoFromJerz, on her Are You F’ng Kidding Podcast and over on Substack with her newsletter of the same name.

It's always fun and insightful when JoJo's in The Back Room! In this episode she shares poignant details of her personal life; her recent DNC convention experience and meeting one of her idols, Mark Hamill; the VP debate; her thoughts on the presidential campaign and upcoming election; and the thrill of being featured on Saturday Night Live!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Don Lemon Oct 07, 2024

Don Lemon is a best-selling author, award-winning journalist, and former anchor of the long-running CNN primetime program, Don Lemon Tonight, who earlier this year launched The Don Lemon Show, which is now streaming on all platforms. Don has won a variety of distinguished awards including an Edward R. Murrow award, multiple Emmys and a Peabody award, among others. He’s also been recognized as a leading influential figure by Ebony magazine, The Advocate, Out and others. And in 2011, he broke barriers by revealing he was gay in his auto-biographical book Transparent. His 2021 book This is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was inspired by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. His new book is "I Once Was Lost: My Search For God in America".

Don discusses his new book and shares in a brutally honest, thought-provoking manner how faith, religion and God has played a major role in his life. We also discuss the recent VP debate, Special Counsel Jack Smith's new filing, and the upcoming election.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

George Conway Oct 05, 2024

George Conway is an attorney, political activist, and legal and political commentator. He is president of the Society for the Rule of Law, the executive director of the Anti-Psychopath Political Action Committee, and a founder of the Lincoln Project. He is a host of The Bulwark’s podcast George Conway Explains It All (to Sarah Longwell), and he is a contributing writer to The Atlantic. He previously worked as a litigator for three decades at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York City.

In his inimitable way, George dissects the mind of Trump and his followers and the impact of it all on the campaign and what lies ahead for the November 5th election. It's a truly fascinating, in-depth ,don't miss chat!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Andy Richter Oct 03, 2024

Actor and writer Andy Richter is best-known for his long-running role as Conan O’Brien’s announcer and sidekick throughout multiple late-night shows. He rose to fame alongside Conan in 1993 on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and reprised this role on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, which premiered in 2009. In 2010, the duo moved to TBS, where Conan ran for 11 years with Richter once again acting as announcer, writer, general sidekick and participant in comedy sketches.

Richter has guest-starred in popular shows such as Arrested Development and Hulu’s Love, Victor. His feature film work includes Scary Movie 2, Elf, Talladega Nights, Blades of Glory, Semi-Pro, and Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Andy’s also had a prolific voiceover career across numerous projects Mort in DreamWorks Studios’ Madagascar films, as well as in the Nickelodeon series Penguins of Madagascar. Since 2019, Richter has hosted the popular podcast The Three Questions with Andy Richter, has appeared in the film 80 for Brady and recently finished production on the upcoming film First Time Female Director. Richter is a graduate of Chicago’s Improv Olympic and Annoyance Theater, and a frequent performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater in Los Angeles.

Join us for this fun, insightful, in-depth chat about Andy's life and career.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Judge David S. Tatel Sep 30, 2024

Judge David Tatel served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1994 to 2023. Prior to that, his three-decade career as a civil rights lawyer included private and government positions, and focused heavily on equal educational opportunity and access to justice. He served as Director of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and then Director of the National Committee. He was the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare during the Carter Administration. When he returned to private practice in 1979, Judge Tatel joined Hogan & Hartson, where he founded and headed the firm’s education practice until his appointment to the D.C. Circuit. Judge Tatel also co-chaired the National Academy of Sciences’ Committee on Science, Technology and Law.

Judge Tatel joins me in The Back Room for a riveting conversation about his illustrious life and career, his terrific book Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, and the controversies involving the current United States Supreme Court.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Dana Bash Sep 28, 2024

Dana Bash is CNN’s chief political correspondent and the anchor and host of Sunday morning’s State of the Union, serving as the network’s lead reporter covering campaigns and Congress. She regularly acts as a moderator for CNN’s political town hall specials and debates, including CNN’s first debate of the 2020 election cycle in Detroit. She has conducted sit-down interviews with major players in the political sphere during 2016, including Donald Trump, Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Bernie Sanders, and Governors Jeb Bush and John Kasich. Her debut book America's Deadliest Election: The Cautionary Tale of the Most Violent Election in American History (written with David Fisher) went on sale earlier this month and was an instant New York Times bestseller.

Dana and I chat about the debates, her interview with Kamala Harris, and her critically-acclaimed new book about the 1872 Louisiana Gubernatorial election, the Constitutional crisis that occurred four years later in the presidential election, and the striking similarities to the current political landscape. We also discuss her emotional journey last year to the Auschwitz concentration camp with her colleague Wolf Blitzer, her family's history with the Holocaust, and the post-October-7th rise in antisemitism and hate crimes.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Melissa Eddy Sep 25, 2024

Melissa Eddy is a journalist based in Berlin who covers German business, economics, and politics for The New York Times. She has covered Chancellor Angela Merkel since she entered office in 2005. A Minnesota native fluent in German and French, she came to Germany as a Fulbright scholar in 1996. Before joining The International Herald Tribune, now the international edition of The New York Times, in 2015, she was a correspondent for the Associated Press in Frankfurt, Vienna, and the Balkans. Her first book is Merkel’s Law: Wisdom from the Woman Who Led the Free World.

Join us for this compelling conversation about a truly fascinating, consequential world leader.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Prof. Allan J. Lichtman Sep 23, 2024

Allan J. Lichtman is Distinguished Professor of History at American University and a leading geopolitical expert. He has provided expert testimony in some 110 civil rights cases. He has written 13 books, many hundreds of scholarly and popular articles, and provided worldwide media commentary. His recent books include The Case for Impeachment, The Embattled Vote In America, Repeal the Second Amendment, and 21 Cracks: Repairing American Democracy After Trump. His Keys to the White House prediction system has successfully forecasted the results of presidential elections since 1984, including Donald Trump’s win in 2016.

The professor is back in The Back Room, and this time he's discussing his prediction for the 2024 presidential election!

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci Sep 21, 2024

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 his latest, From Wall Street to the White House and Back. He's best known for the 11 rollercoaster days he served in the Trump WH as Communications Director, after having served on Trump's Finance Committee and then on his Presidential Transition Team.

We love when The Mooch brings his unique perspective into The Back Room on the pathological thinking and behavior of Trump and its impact on the campaign.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Trippi Sep 17, 2024

Joe Trippi is a pioneer in bringing campaigns into the digital age. As National Campaign Manager for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, his vision of using the Internet to connect directly with supporters transformed the way campaigns have been waged since. He currently serves as a senior strategist for several nonprofit and corporate clients, is a Sr Adviser to The Lincoln Project, and a Sr Advisor to MI Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. He began his political career working on Ted Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1980 and has since led efforts on a number of presidential, gubernatorial, senate, and congressional campaigns including Reps Ro Khanna, Kweisi Mfume (‘Kwyzee Mfoomay’), former CA Gov Jerry Brown and former AL Sen. Doug Jones. Joe is also the host of the podcast "That Trippi Show" and the author of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Democracy, the Internet and the Overthrow of Everything” and has served as a political commentator and analyst for MSNBC/NBC, CBS, FOX and CNN.

Joe takes us back to the 2024 Howard Dean presidential campaign, the political/campaign changes since, and weighs in on the current campaign.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Max Boot Sep 16, 2024

Max Boot is a historian, best-selling author and foreign-policy analyst. He is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a weekly columnist for The Washington Post. He just released the critically-acclaimed new book "Reagan: His Life and Legend". His previous biography, The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam, was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in biography.

Max discusses his new book about Ronald Reagan and weighs in on the current presidential campaign.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Cohen Sep 14, 2024

Michael Cohen is the former personal attorney for Donald Trump and served for years as an executive in the Trump Organization. He is host of the Mea Culpa With Michael Cohen podcast and co-host of Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas podcast, and is a 2x NYT best-selling author. His latest book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X.

It's always both insightful and fun when Michael's in The Back Room! He joins us this week to share his unique perspective on Tuesday night's debate, Trump's increasingly unhinged, dangerous behavior, and what it all means these next two months as we race towards the election.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Modi Rosenfeld Sep 12, 2024

Modi Rosenfeld was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and at 7 emigrated with his family to the United States and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until he fell in love with stand-up comedy during his first open-mic performance. He’s a regular at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs and headlines around the country and across the globe.

His current 'Pause For Laughter' tour includes stops in Zurich, London, Chicago, St. Paul, Montreal, and Denver before finally concluding at the iconic Beacon Theatre in NYC. His debut special, "Know Your Audience", is available on YouTube.

Modi is one of the funniest humans on the planet! I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did!

Check out Modi's "Know Your Audience" comedy special here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPF3GkKuPVc. And find him on Instagram @Modi_Live!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Jesselyn Cook Sep 09, 2024

Jesselyn Cook is an award-winning investigative reporter and journalism lecturer who has written extensively about online conspiracy theories and their offline harms. Prior to covering the tech beat at NBC News, she was a senior reporter on HuffPost's national enterprise desk. Her new book is The Quiet Damage: Q Anon and the Destruction of the American Family.

Jesselyn shares her fascinating and at times chilling insights into the QAnon conspiracy phenomenon and its devastating effects on its followers' families. Her book is rare, intimate look into the psychology of how and why ordinary people come to believe the unbelievable.

More about the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706443/the-quiet-damage-by-jesselyn-cook/

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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. Cupp Sep 07, 2024

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and host of the daily TV show Battleground. She was most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom.

It's always fun when S.E. stops by The Back Room! We discuss Kamala Harris, Donald Trump and the presidential campaign and the battleground states, the impact (or lack thereof) of RFK Jr on the election, and the upcoming debate. And, she reveals whether or not she'll be reading Melania's new memoir!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Jeremy Sisto Sep 05, 2024

Jeremy Sisto is a film, television and theater actor currently starring in the hit CBS show FBI. He is also a writer, producer and musician. His past tv credits include SIX FEET UNDER, LAW AND ORDER and the hit ABC sitcom SUBURGATORY.  His extensive film credits include the 1995 classic CLUELESS, WAITRESS, the tennis comedy BREAK POINT, which he co-wrote and produced, the Oscar-nominated animated hit FROZEN II, and the Oscar-and Golden Globe-nominated animated film FERDINAND.

Jeremy's Los Angeles theater credits include “Take Me Out,” which earned him a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Featured Performance, Sidney Kingsley’s “Dead End”, and the one-man show “Sanguine”. In New York, he made his Broadway debut in “Festen,” a stage adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg’s film THE CELEBRATION, and starred in Beau Willimon’s “Spirit Control”, about a man’s 30-year struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

It's a truly fun, in-depth chat about Jeremy's early years, his diverse career, and his experience raising kids!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Deja Foxx Sep 02, 2024

Deja Foxx, a speaker at the recent Democratic Convention in Chicago, is 24 years old and leading thought at the intersection of social justice and social media. She is the founder of GenZ Girl Gang, a Graduate of Columbia University, and a Digital Creator with Ford Models who got her start advocating for reproductive justice after experiencing homelessness in her teenage years.

At just 19, Deja worked for Kamala Harris as the Influencer and Surrogate Strategist and became one of the youngest presidential campaign staffers in history. She is the recipient of Planned Parenthood's Catalyst of Change award, the Global Citizen Prize, and Gloria Steinem's Ms. Foundation's 'Free to Be You and Me' Woman of Vision award. She is currently living and working in her home state of Arizona where abortion is on the ballot.

Deja discusses her incredibly inspiring journey from homeless teen to nationally-recognized advocacy and activism...and the critical importance of the November election on reproductive rights and women's bodily autonomy.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Andrew Weissmann Aug 31, 2024

Andrew Weissmann is the co-host of the popular podcast Prosecuting Donald Trump 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.

Andrew 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.

Join us for this informative, insightful chat as Andrew brings us up-to-date on Trump's ongoing, ever-changing legal cases and shares his views on the current political landscape. And, he also reveals his top 5 musical artists of all time!

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Julie Roginsky Aug 29, 2024

Julie Roginsky is a founding partner of Baro Strategies and has nearly three decades of public and private sector experience as an adviser on strategic communications, political strategy and public relations…working on behalf of corporate and political clients which include Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, non-profits and dozens of elected officials including governors, United States senators, members of the House of Representatives and state legislators. Earlier in her career, she served as the communications director for Senator Jon Corzine.

Julie is also the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a national non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the American workplace by banning forced arbitration clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for toxic workplace issues. The organization has been credited with helping to pass sweeping bans on NDAs across the nation and with the passage of the federal Ending Forced Arbitration for Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act and the Speak Out Act, which have been called the strongest labor law change in the last 100 years. She’s a former contributor at Fox News Channel, where she was a frequent co-host of Outnumbered and The Five. Prior to that, she was a contributor at CNBC, the financial news network.

Julie and I discuss the critical work of Lift Our voices; Donald Trump and Trumpism; and Kamala Harris, the campaign and the huge stakes for America in the upcoming November election.

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Jessica Tarlov Aug 27, 2024

Jessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and serves as a rotating co-host of The Five. She also offers political analysis across FNC and FOX Business Network’s programming. Prior to joining FNC, she appeared as a frequent guest on the network since 2014.

In addition to her role on FNC, Jessica also serves as the Vice President of Research and Consumer Insight for Bustle Digital Group. Prior to this, she served as a senior strategist with Schoen Consulting, where she advised domestic and international clients on messaging strategies for more than five years and worked as a democratic pollster. In May 2024, she was named one of Variety’s 2024 Women of Impact for her political commentary across FOX News Media.

Back from the DNC convention, Jessica shares her big takeaways from the week, as well as Kamala Harris, Donald Trump and the overall campaign.

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Stephanie Grisham Aug 25, 2024

Stephanie Grisham is the New York Times bestselling author of “I’ll Take Your Questions Now, What I Saw in the Trump White House.” During the Trump Administration she served as White House press secretary and director of communications for both the President and First Lady, Melania Trump. She is the only person in history who has held three senior roles at once, while representing both the east and west wings.

Steph's back in THE BACK ROOM, fresh off her courageous, patriotic speech at the Democratic Convention, discussing it all. She shares her insights into the campaign, the stark contrasts between VP Kamala Harris and her former boss, and what it all bodes for November. We also get into Melania, Bobby Kennedy Jr, the upcoming September 10th debate, Trump's sudden pivot on GA Gov. Brian Kemp, whether or not he will dump JD Vance, and more.

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Denise Brown Aug 17, 2024

Denise Brown’s life was turned upside down on June 12, 1994 when her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, was murdered along with Ron Goldman. Since then she’s been committed to raising awareness against domestic violence. Since early 1995 Denise has traveled to various states speaking on the epidemic of domestic violence. She has addressed university student bodies, men in prison and in batterers' treatment programs, women at risk, church groups and various educational and legislative forums. She’s helped raise funds for local shelters all across the country with her appearances, and has assisted in the success of a major project called the Vine System. This Program is an automated victim notification service of the release of batterers from jail or prison.

As part of her commitment, Denise has worked to help pass a variety of legislative solutions for domestic violence. One of her most important projects was to lobby on behalf of the Violence Against Women Act, the funding of which she helped increase $18-million to $32-million. She’s made a life-long commitment to educate the public as well as improve the quality of living for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

Nicole was so much more than just a murder victim. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and mother. And so I'm thrilled to have Denise help us learn more about her sister and her life, sharing memories from their childhood through the day that short life tragically ended 30 years ago. She also shares her own heartbreaking journey; how she's personally navigated this nightmare; and her critical work as an activist against domestic violence.

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Sara Bareilles Aug 15, 2024

Sara Bareilles is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, producer, activist, and New York Times best-selling author whose accolades to date include two Grammy® Awards, three Tony® Award nominations, and three Primetime Emmy® Award nominations. As a recording artist and songwriter, she has sold more than 3 million albums and 15 million singles in the U.S., and her songs have been streamed more than 3.5 billion times worldwide. On Broadway, she composed music and lyrics for Waitress, stepping into the lead role both on Broadway and in the West End. Other musical theater credits include her Tony-nominated performance as ‘The Baker’s Wife’ in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods, a song on the Tony Award-nominated score for SpongeBob SquarePants, and an Emmy Award-nominated appearance as Mary Magdalene in NBC's “Jesus Christ Superstar Live.”

Sara currently plays Dawn Solano on the Emmy-nominated musical comedy series “Girls5eva”, the third season of which is streaming now on Netflix, and is currently at work on a musical theater adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s best-selling novel The Interestings, alongside author Sarah Ruhl.

If you love Sara Bareilles you will absolutely love this brutally-honest, poignant, in-depth chat about her illustrious life and career. It's a truly enjoyable, insightful conversation with one of the world's most talented, diverse and successful performers.

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Ameshia Cross Aug 12, 2024

Ameshia Cross is a democratic strategist for national, state, and local campaigns, a regular political commentator and contributor on MSN, NBC, BBC, SiriusXM, iHeart Radio, and more. She is also a former campaign and communications adviser for President Barack Obama and a policy adviser for the National Urban League.

Join us for this insightful chat as we discuss Kamala Harris, Donald Trump and the ever-changing campaign; Trumpism and MAGA; the media's role in normalizing Trump and the double-standard in media coverage; immigration and more.

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Chris Matthews Aug 10, 2024

Chris Matthews is an award-winning journalist, columnist, author, political commentator, television host and professor. His 15 years in politics and government includes serving as speechwriter for president Jimmy Carter and administrative assistant to House Speaker Tip O’Neil. He was a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle; syndicated columnist and Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Examiner; and host of MSNBC’s Hardball. His books include Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero and his 2021 memoir This Country: My Life in Politics and History.

Few people understand politics as well as Chris does. He joins me for an in-depth conversation about the ever-changing presidential campaign as we barrel towards the November election.

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Philip Bump Aug 07, 2024

Philip Bump is a national columnist for The Washington Post. Prior to that he led politics coverage for The Atlantic Wire. In the past, he worked as a designer at Adobe Systems. As one of the paper's most read writers, he focuses on the data behind polls and political rhetoric. He also writes a weekly newsletter, "How To Read This Chart." He has appeared or been heard on most major media outlets, from MSNBC to Fox News to PBS to NPR. His first book, The Aftermath, looks at the overlap of the end of the baby boom and the upheaval in American politics and the U.S. economy.

Philip and I get into Democrats' 'euphoria' over the newly energized campaign; the key distinctions between VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump; Harris's veepstakes; the Trump 'unity pivot' that never came; Q-Anon and conspiracy theories; Boomers and voting patterns; the November election and more. And, he reveals his top 5 musical artists of all time!

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Hugo Lowell Aug 05, 2024

Hugo Lowell is an award-winning Senior Political Correspondent at The Guardian, covering the intersection of Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and the US Department of Justice. He regularly appears on MSNBC as a political and legal affairs analyst. His reporting has been recognized through appearances on NBC, MSNBC, CNN, CBS, the PBS NewsHour and BBC News. He is a recipient of the National Press Club's Sandy Hume Memorial Award for Excellence in Political Journalism and was a Paul Miller Fellow with the National Press Foundation.

Hugo joins me for an in-depth discussion on the release this past week of US hostages Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others held captive in Russia; the campaign transition from President Joe Biden to VP Kamala Harris; Harris's veepstakes; the erratic, incendiary and dangerous campaign of Donald Trump and his on-going legal troubles; and Hugo shares what's on his Summer play list!

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Jamal Simmons Aug 03, 2024

Jamal Simmons has been at the nexus of politics and media for three decades. He is currently a Political Commentator on CNN and immediately before that Deputy Assistant to the President and Communications Director to Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. Before the White House, he was a political contributor for CBS News and NPR and hosted digital interviews for HillTV. He is a veteran of the Clinton Administration, Congress and several political campaigns. He’s also been a communications consultant, digital entrepreneur, appeared on every major television network and written opinion pieces for many newspapers.

Jamal helps unpack all the latest campaign news including Kamala Harris's flawless launch and her imminent VP announcement; Donald Trump's racist train-wreck at the National Association of Black Journalists convention; and the outlook for these next three months as we head towards the November election.

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Rep. Dan Goldman Aug 01, 2024

Rep. Dan Goldman serves New York’s 10th Congressional District, which encompasses Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. In 2019, he served as lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Donald J. Trump for abusing his office for his personal interest regarding Ukraine. Prior to that, Goldman served for a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. He serves on the Oversight Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and is a member of the Dads Caucus, the Pro-Choice Caucus, the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, and is a founder of the Court Reform Now Task Force.

The Congressman shares his thoughts on the campaign transition from President Joe Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris; Harris's imminent VP selection; Donald Trump's worsening dangerous behavior, including his off-the-rails performance Tuesday at the National Association of Black Journalists' convention; Project 2025; Dobbs, Roe, reproductive rights, the November election and winning back the House; the need for Supreme Court accountability and reform; and the widening regional conflict between Israel, Hezbollah/Lebanon and Iran.

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Mike Madrid Jul 29, 2024

Mike Madrid has been a nationally recognized political consultant and authoritative voice on Latino voters for three decades. A pioneer in Latino communications and outreach strategies in state, local, and national political campaigns, and has worked for major campaigns on both sides of the aisle. In 2020, he co-founded the Lincoln Project, a Republican anti-Trump organization. Mike was an adjunct lecturer on Race, Class and Partisanship at the University of Southern California in Spring 2021 and is currently a Senior Fellow at UC Irvine School of Social Ecology. Madrid is the author of the book titled “The Latino Century”, published by Simon and Schuster.

Mike shares his keen insights into President Joe Biden's campaign exit; VP Kamala Harris's flawless transition to presumptive nominee; the sudden shift in momentum from right to left; Trump fatigue; the Latino vote; and more.

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John Heilemann Jul 27, 2024

John Heilemann is a partner, chief political columnist, and host of the twice-weekly podcast Impolitic with John Heilemann at Puck, as well as national affairs analyst at NBC News and MSNBC. John also co-created and co-hosted Showtime's The Circus, and is the author of the NY Times best-selling books Pride Before the Fall, Double Down, and Game Change, which was adapted into an HBO feature film that won five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Peabody Award. He’s previously been co-founder and executive editor of The Recount, co-host of MSNBC and Bloomberg TV’s With All Due Respect, managing editor of Bloomberg Politics, and was a staff writer for New York, The New Yorker, Wired, and The Economist.

John shares his thoughts on the latest news involving Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, the ever-changing campaign and what it all means for the November election. We also chat about dogs, streamers, and John's eclectic music tastes! He's a truly fascinating dude and we've got him for an hour for a fun, insightful in-depth convo!

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Rick Wilson Jul 26, 2024

The inimitable Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, podcaster, co-founder of the political action committee The Lincoln Project and media company Resolute Square, and a two-time New York Times best-selling author.

Rick's back in The Back Room discussing the latest with Kamala Harris, Donald Trump and the presidential campaign

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Kimberly Atkins Stohr Jul 25, 2024

Kimberly Atkins Stohr is a senior opinion writer and columnist for The Boston Globe with over 20 years of experience covering politics, policy and law. She is an on-air political analyst for MSNBC, a frequent panelist on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” and co-host of the popular Politicon legal news podcast #SistersInLaw. She has appeared as a political and legal commentator on a host of national and international television and radio networks, including CNN, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, NPR, Sky News, and CBC News. Before launching her journalism career, she was a civil trial and appellate litigation attorney in Boston, where she argued in a number of courts, including the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the federal 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals.

Kimberly helps unpack the latest news involving President Joe Biden's exit from the race; VP Kamala Harris's quick and impressive start; Donald Trump's mounting weaknesses; and what lies ahead for the campaign and the November election. And, she reveals her awesome Top 5 musical artists of all time!

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Pete Best Jul 23, 2024

Pete Best was the original drummer with the iconic band The Beatles, playing with them for two years between 1960 and ’62. He was unceremoniously fired from the band and replaced with Ringo Starr after its legendary Hamburg, Germany gigs and just before the band would skyrocket to worldwide success with its first album release and smash single "Love Me Do".

Please join us for this in-depth chat in which Pete shares in riveting detail his unique childhood; the early Beatles years; his heartbreaking dismissal; his subsequent relationship with John, Paul, George and Ringo; John's 1980 murder; his post-Beatles music career; and, at almost 83, his reflections on one of the most bittersweet musical legacies of all time.

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Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney Jul 20, 2024

Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney are co-founders of the recently launched bi-partisan superPAC The Seneca Project, which is dedicated to mobilizing women voters in key swing states to ensure Democratic victory in November in order to safeguard women’s rights, healthcare access, the preservation of democracy, and the defeat of the extremist MAGA agenda.

Tara's a former GOP Communications Director on Capitol Hill and most recently served as a Senior Advisor for The Lincoln Project and host of the live show The Breakdown. She’s a contributor on MSNBC and other news outlets, has been a frequent guest host on ABC’s The View, Sirius XM’s The Michael Smerconish Program, and has several appearances on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. After 27 years as a Republican she left the party in November 2020 after Donald Trump refused to concede the election to Joe Biden. Michelle previously served as the Creative Director at The Lincoln Project. She's also a photojournalist, previously served as VP of WestSide Democrats in NYC, and was publicly elected to the New York County Democratic Committee. Prior to entering the political arena, she was a performing artist and producer.

Join us for this truly important conversation about the grave threat to women's bodily autonomy and reproductive rights and The Seneca Project's work to defend and protect a woman's right to choose and its efforts to flood the polls in November.

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Kara Swisher Jul 17, 2024

Kara Swisher is the host of the podcast “On with Kara Swisher” and the co-host of the “Pivot” podcast with Scott Galloway, both distributed by New York magazine. She’s also a regular panelist on CNN’s “The Chris Wallace Show.” 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. The recently released BURN BOOK is her third book.

Kara chatted with me for an hour about the calls for President Joe Biden to quit, the assassination-attempt on Donald Trump, "VP" J.D. Vance, and the potential impact of each on the campaign and election. We also discuss Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the Florida classified documents case, the fate of an appeal, and how the US Supreme Court might ultimately decide. And of course, Elon Musk and the billionaire tech bros!

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Elle Reeve Jul 15, 2024

Elle Reeve is a journalist and CNN correspondent whose work has won numerous awards, including the Emmy, the Peabody, and more. Her writing has appeared in VICE, The New Republic, New York magazine, Elle, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast. Her just released book is Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics.

Join us as Elle explains in riveting detail the rise of extremism, 'incels' and the alt right; who gets radicalized and why; the ongoing threats from QAnon, militias, and racist groups; and how the dark web and the real world often intersect to tragic consequences.

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Bakari Sellers Jul 13, 2024

Attorney, NY Times best-selling author, former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, and CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers. Join us for this compelling chat about the calls for President Joe Biden to quit and the impact it could have on the November election.

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Rachel Bitecofer Jul 10, 2024

Rachel Bitecofer is a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist. Bitecofer’s interviews and analysis have been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, and many other prominent news sources. She worked with Democratic Party candidates and organizations to implement negative partisanship strategy in the 2022 midterms. She is author of the recently released book Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at their Own Game.

Rachel is a super smart, funny AF election guru who pulls no punches. And she's back in The Back Room discussing the recent presidential debate, the continued calls for President Joe Biden to quit, and why at this late stage in the campaign she believes it's political suicide for Democrats to be publicly attacking him this way. It's a truly don't-miss, timely convo...

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Alexis Coe Jul 08, 2024

Alexis Coe is a presidential historian and a fellow at New America, where she is thinking about the presidency in anticipation of America's 250th. She is 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, MSNBC, 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!

Join us for this compelling chat about the calls for Joe Biden to quit in the wake of the presidential debate; the ongoing existential threat to democracy of another Trump presidency; the media's role in normalizing Trump and his lies; the Supreme Court's immunity ruling; and the upcoming Trump sentencing in the NY election-interference/hush-money case (now September) and the need for accountability.

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Prof. Allan J. Lichtman Jul 06, 2024

Allan J. Lichtman is Distinguished Professor of History at American University and a leading geopolitical expert. He has provided expert testimony in some 110 civil rights cases. He has written 13 books, many hundreds of scholarly and popular articles, and provided worldwide media commentary. His recent books include The Case for Impeachment, The Embattled Vote In America, Repeal the Second Amendment, and 21 Cracks: Repairing American Democracy After Trump. His Keys to the White House prediction system has successfully forecasted the results of presidential elections since 1984, including Donald Trump’s win in 2016.

This is a truly fascinating chat about Professor Lichtman's model, how it was created, why it's worked flawlessly, and what it currently indicates for the November election. The professor also weighs in on the significance, or lack thereof, of the recent debate, polling, and fundraising on the campaign; the calls for President Biden to quit; and more.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Peter Baker Jul 03, 2024

Peter Baker is the Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times and a political analyst for MSNBC. He has covered the last five presidents for The Times and The Washington Post. At The Post, he also served as Moscow Co-Bureau Chief and covered the opening months of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is author of seven books, including the best-selling The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021, and The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III, both with his wife, Susan Glasser of The New Yorker. He is a frequent panelist on Washington Week on PBS.

We're thrilled to have had Peter in THE BACK ROOM just as the Supreme Court's presidential immunity decision was announced. So join us as he breaks it all down and also shares his thoughts on the the campaign, the debate and the calls for President Biden to quit the race; veepstakes; the impact of RFK Jr, Jill Stein and Cornell West; the November election; and the existential threat to democracy under a Trump 2.0.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

SPECIAL SCOTUS BONUS EPISODE with Constitutional Law Scholar Eric Segall Jul 01, 2024

Eric J. Segall is a constitutional law scholar, professor, and author of the books Originalism as Faith, and Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court is not a Court and its Justices are not Judges. His articles on constitutional law have appeared in, among others, the Harvard Law Review Forum, the Stanford Law Review On Line, the UCLA Law Review, the George Washington Law Review, the Washington University Law Review, the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law, the Northwestern University Law Review Colloquy, and Constitutional Commentary among many others. His op-eds and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the LA Times, The Atlantic, SLATE, Vox, Salon, and the Daily Beast, among others and his television appearances include CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and France 24.

Join us for this special bonus episode as Professor Segall unpacks today's monumentally consequential Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Maura Gillespie Jul 01, 2024

Maura Gillespie is the founder and principal of Bluestack Strategies, and is a communications professional with expertise in strategic messaging and media training. She previously served 12 years on Capitol Hill as Press Advisor to former House Speaker John Boehner and as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Congressman Adam Kinzinger. She is a recurring guest on CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Bloomberg, and FOX News.

Join Maura and I for a compelling discussion on the first presidential debate; the calls for President Biden to quit the race; the threats and dangers of Donald Trump; the broken Republican Party; VeepStakes; and the November election.

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Michael Cohen Jun 29, 2024

Michael Cohen is the former personal attorney for Donald Trump and served for years as an executive in the Trump Organization. He is host of the Mea Culpa With Michael Cohen podcast and co-host of Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas podcast. He’s a two-time New York Times best-selling author. His latest book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X.

Michael's back in The Back Room for a fun, insightful morning-after post-debate analysis. Guest Name(s)

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Judy Gold Jun 27, 2024

Judy Gold is a film, television and theater actor and writer and comedian. Her stand-up specials have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, and LOGO, and she’s appeared on Netflix's Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. She’s the host of the podcast It’s Judy’s Show with Judy Gold; and is featured in the new Netflix documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, which explores the history of LGBTQ+ standup comedy.

Her recent film credits include She Came To Me, Tripped Up, and Love Reconsidered. And her TV credits include City On A Hill, Better Things, The First Lady, Extrapolation, Life and Beth, Girls 5 Eva and recurring roles on Awkwafina, Friends from College and Search Party. She’s won two Emmy awards for writing and producing The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and has written and starred in three critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit shows, Yes I Can Say That!, The Judy Show – My Life as a Sitcom, and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother. Judy’s appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show, and has made numerous appearances on The View, The Today Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and on MSNBC, CNN and NewsNation as a free-speech advocate. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble.

Judy is funny AF! We have an absolute blast chatting about Jews and Jewish mothers; cats and dogs; cancel culture and the comedy business today; her early inspirations and favorite current comics; and her writing process. And, she reveals the things that piss her off most, as well as her Top 5 musical artists of all-time! And, what would a chat between two Jews be without a passionate discussion of Israel, the protests and antisemitism...

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Peter Strzok Jun 24, 2024

Peter Strzok served in the FBI from 1996 to 2018, rising to the deputy of its Counterintelligence Division. During his career, he worked around the world against national security threats from China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and others, including countering state-sponsored disinformation, prosecuting acts of economic espionage and theft of intellectual property, and combatting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Prior to the FBI, he spent four years on active duty in the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He’s an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, is the NYT bestselling author of Compromised: Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J Trump, and co-host of the Cleanup On Aisle 45 podcast.

Peter's back in THE BACK ROOM sharing his keen insights into America's most dangerous foreign and domestic threats as we head towards the presidential election in November.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Steele Jun 22, 2024

Michael Steele is the co-host of MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’ and host of ‘The Michael Steele Podcast.’ Prior to joining MSNBC as a political analyst, he was elected Lt. Governor of Maryland in 2003. Following his time as Lt. Governor, he served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011. Steele was the first African-American to hold either office. He has appeared on Meet the Press, Face the Nation, Real Time with Bill Maher, and The Daily Show and is also the author of two books, “Right Now: A 12-Step Program for Defeating the Obama Agenda” and “The Recovering Politician’s Twelve Step Program to Survive Crisis”.

It's always a blast when Michael brings his inimitable wit and wisdom into The Back Room! He's back helping unpack the latest with Trump, the campaign, VeepStakes, the debates, the November election, and what concerns him most.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Ryan Hamilton Jun 19, 2024

Ryan Hamilton is a husband, father, acclaimed singer/songwriter-turned-radio host, and unexpected women’s rights activist who’s been speaking out after he and his wife Jess experienced a nightmarish miscarriage-related situation at a Texas hospital back in May.

Please join us for this incredibly moving (and infuriating) conversation as Ryan emotionally recounts their harrowing ordeal in riveting detail.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell Jun 18, 2024

LaDoris Hazzard Cordell was the first lawyer to open a law practice in East Palo Alto, CA, a low-income community of color. In 1978, she was appointed Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Stanford Law School, where she implemented a successful minority admissions program. In 1982, Governor Jerry Brown appointed her to the Municipal Court of Santa Clara County making her the first African American woman judge in northern California. In1988, Judge Cordell won election to the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. In all, she' spent nearly 20 years on the bench.

From 2010 to 2015, she served as Independent Police Auditor for the City of San Jose. In 2015 she was a member of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Transparency, Accountability, and Fairness in Law Enforcement. She’s also served as Vice Provost & Special Counselor to the President for Campus Relations at Stanford University; served on the Palo Alto City Council; was the Independent Police Auditor for the City of San Jose; and is the co-founder of the African American Composer Initiative. She is the author of the 2021 book: Her Honor: My Life on the Bench...What Works, What's Broken, and How to Change It. And, she’s appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, CBS-5 television and Court TV.

Judge Cordell take us back to childhood and her early inspirations; walks us through her illustrious academic and judicial career; helps unpack the latest with convicted-felon Donald Trump's sentencing options in the New York election-interference/hush-money trial; discusses the need for an enforceable code of conduct for the Supreme Court in the wake of new disclosure violations and conflicts of interest with Justices Thomas and Alito; discusses her book; and shares how music has impacted her life.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Mark McKinnon Jun 15, 2024

Mark McKinnon is a political advisor, reform advocate, columnist, and television producer. He was the creator and co-host of Showtime's Emmy-nominated hit documentary series "The Circus”. He’s worked for many causes, companies, and candidates, including President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, late Governor Ann Richards, and Bono. He was the chief media advisor for five winning presidential primary and general election campaigns. Dedicated to bipartisanship, McKinnon helped start No Labels. He’s been a regular columnist for The Daily Beast, The London Daily Telegraph, and Vanity Fair, and was a consultant to the HBO show “The Newsroom” and Netflix’s “House of Cards.”

Join us for this fun, insightful chat about Donald Trump, Trumpism, the Republican Party, the race for the White House, the upcoming debate, VeepStakes, the November election, and the fate of THE CIRCUS. And if that's not enough, Mark reveals his love of the movie WAITRESS, Broadway musicals, the origin of his hats, and his favorite musical artists of all time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Jordan Matthew Horowitz / Jack Waksal Jun 13, 2024

Jordan Matthew Horowitz is an Emmy-winning writer/director of both documentary and narrative film. His recent documentary, JACK AND SAM, about Holocaust survivors Jack Waksal and Sam Ron, was executive produced by Julianna Margulies and Sarah Silverman, and was shortlisted for a prestigious IDA Award. His other films include the documentary ANGEL OF NANJING and the narrative feature film PAINLESS. He is currently in development on a feature narrative of JACK AND SAM.

Jordan joins me for a truly compelling chat about his poignant, riveting documentary film JACK AND SAM, Holocaust education, the alarming rise in anti-Israel protests and antisemitism, and more. And, we are joined by 99-year-old Jack, who discusses his friendship with Sam, their incredible chance-reunion after 80 years, the harrowing details of his escape from the Pionki concentration camp in Poland, and how he survived hiding out in the forest for six months.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Jun 10, 2024

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 four New York Times bestsellers. 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 discusses his new book, The Age of Grievance, and the theories behind why Americans are so polarized and angry. We also chat about Donald Trump and Trumpism; and dissect the MAGA mentality and its impact on the presidential campaign and the upcoming election. And, Frank reveals his Top 5 musical artists of all time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Maggie Haberman Jun 08, 2024

Maggie Haberman is a journalist who joined The New York Times in 2015 and was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for reporting on the investigations into Donald Trump’s, and his advisers’, connections to Russia. She has twice been a member of a team that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize, in 2021 for reporting on the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus, and in 2022 for coverage related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol. Before joining The New York Times as a campaign correspondent, she worked as a political reporter at Politico, from 2010 to 2015. She previously worked at The New York Post and The New York Daily News.

Maggie brings her keen insights and perspective to a broad discussion about Donald Trump, his legal troubles, his amped-up revenge-rhetoric, its impact on the campaign, and what it all means should he win; the role Bobby Kennedy Jr and Nikki Haley voters may play in the November election; and more...including her top-5 musical artists of all time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Ferne Pearlstein Jun 06, 2024

Ferne Pearlstein is a director, cinematographer, and editor based in New York City. Her most recent film is “XCLD: THE STORY OF CANCEL CULTURE,” a nuanced look at this controversial topic, produced by Trevor Noah and Time Studios for MSNBC’s Turning Point series. As a director and producer, with husband and producing partner Robert Edwards, she has had four features premiere at Tribeca, including SUMO EAST AND WEST and the narratives LAND OF THE BLIND starring Ralph Fiennes and Donald Sutherland, and ONE MORE TIME starring Christopher Walken. The most recent of those four features was the critically acclaimed THE LAST LAUGH (2016) about taboos in humor.

We chat about her early inspirations and career; her films; the film business today; cancel vs consequence culture; and whether there are or should be subjects that are off limits in comedy.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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. Cupp Jun 03, 2024

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom. Her new syndicated show, Battleground News, launches June 10th.

It's always so much fun when S.E. brings her keen insights and humor into The Back Room! Is this episode we discuss the Trump trial, the verdict, and its impact on the campaign; Trump's veepstakes; Biden, RFK Jr, Nikki Haley and the November election; and she answers the burning question, "Who had the better week, Robert De Niro or Dennis Quaid!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Jennifer Rodgers Jun 01, 2024

Jennifer Rodgers is a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Law at the NYU School of Law, and a Legal Analyst for CNN. She teaches, writes, and speaks about government ethics, public corruption, sports corruption, and criminal law issues. Between 2000-2013, Jennifer worked at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she served in numerous capacities, including as a Deputy Chief Appellate Attorney, the Chief of the Organized Crime Unit, and a Chief of the General Crimes Unit. She serves on the Board of Directors for the New York City Bar Association.

Jennifer shares her keen insights into Donald Trump's election-interference/hush-money trial, the verdict, the sentencing options, the appeal process and more. It's an informative, compelling chat that's not to be missed!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 "The Mooch" Scaramucci May 30, 2024

Anthony “The Mooch” 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 also an author, hosts the OPEN BOOK podcast, and is best known for the 11 roller-coaster days he served in the Trump White House as Communications Director.

Join us as Mooch discusses his new book From Wall Street to the White House and Back; the presidential campaign and Trump's 'veepstakes'; the November election; the NY election-interference/hush-money trial; and yes, we even found a way to discuss Taylor Swift!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Rick Wilson May 29, 2024

The inimitable Rick Wilson's back in The Back Room! Rick's a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, co-founder of the political action committee The Lincoln Project, co-founder of media company Resolute Square and a two-time New York Times bestselling author.

Rick is on fire! Join us as he riffs on Trump, his sons "Uday and Qusay", 'his GOP sycophants, and 'veepstakes'; 'Nikki Haley; the November election; the NY trial; and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Rep. Jasmine Crockett May 25, 2024

Jasmine Crockett is an attorney, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and currently serves as the US Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District, which covers much of the city of Dallas and parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. She is a member of the House Oversight and Agriculture Committees.

Rep. Crockett is back in THE BACK ROOM discussing her epic "Bleach-Blonde Bad-Built Butch-Body" clapback of Marjorie Taylor Greene (and does she think Greene's a racist?); her viral popularity and role as the highly-effective humorous, sarcastic nemesis of the GOP crazy caucus; her role as a potent Biden campaign surrogate; Trump and the November election; and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Donna Pescow May 23, 2024

Donna Pescow is a film, television and theater actor, director and producer with a career spanning five decades . She was born and raised in Brooklyn NY, graduated from New York's prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Shortly after graduation she was cast as Annette in the iconic film SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1977), and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the New York Film Critics Circle. She followed that up with her starring role in the sitcom Angie (1979), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series and a People's Choice Award nomination for Favorite Female Performer on a New Television Program. In addition, she starred in the long running sitcom Out of This World (1987) and the popular sitcom Even Stevens (2000) for which she was nominated for three Emmy Awards. Early on she appeared in the soaps One Life to Live, All My Children and General Hospital. Other tv credits include The Flash, Clueless, NYPD Blue, Pauly, Ivory Tower, New Girl, Truth Be Told, Welcome to Chippendales, The Sopranos, and most recently Grey’s Anatomy.

Donna’s other film credits include JAKE SPEED, PARTNERS, CAROL OF THE BELLS, and ORANGE SHERBERT. And her NY, LA, and regional stage credits include, Love Letters, Rest in Pieces, Isn’t It Romantic, Grease, Guys & Dolls, Promises, Promises, Melvin Van Peebles' production of Body Bags, and her own successful cabaret act that she performed at New York’s Les Mouches, East Hampton’s John Drew Theatre and LA’s Canon Theatre.

What an absolute thrill to chat with Donna about her childhood, early inspirations and early career; her portrayal of "Annette" in the iconic film SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, the film's popularity, her thoughts on John Travolta, and the Bee Gees soundtrack; her sitcom ANGIE; working on soap operas; and so much more, including my idea for a SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER sequel!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Eugene Vindman May 20, 2024

Eugene Vindman is an immigrant, a husband, a father of two, a human rights lawyer, and a former Colonel in the U.S. Army. He and his twin brother Alex were born in the Soviet Ukraine. Following the death of their mother, the family immigrated to America as refugees with $759 to their name.

In 2019, after serving 22 years in the Army, he served on the National Security Council as the senior ethics attorney when he blew the whistle on the infamous phone call in which President Trump attempted to extort President Zelenskiy of Ukraine, threatening to withhold critical aid if Ukraine didn't investigate President Biden’s family. Trump was impeached but acquitted by the Senate. Trump retaliated and Trump’s vengeance cost Eugene his career. Colonel Vindman is now running to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

Join us as we discuss Eugene's storied life including childhood, the Trump impeachment hearings, and his campaign for Congress.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 May 18, 2024

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media.

Elie's back in The Back Room, this time helping unpack the latest from Donald Trump's New York election-interference ("hush-money") trial. As always, it's a fun, insightful chat.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Liora Rez May 13, 2024

Liora Rez is the Founder and Executive Director of Stop Antisemitism, a national watchdog organization working to expose the hate, threats, and outright violence Jews in America are facing each day. Liora herself is a political refugee, who fled the Soviet Union with her family as a young girl due to escalating antisemitism.

Join us for this important conversation about the huge rise in antisemitism and antisemitic hate crimes in America in the wake of the October 7th massacre in Israel by Hamas; the volatile, hate-fueled protests on college campuses; and what her organization is doing to expose those responsible for spewing dangerous antisemitic rhetoric.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Rep. Elissa Slotkin May 11, 2024

Democrat Elissa Slotkin represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and serves on the Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. Following grad school after the September 11 attacks, she was recruited by the CIA to be a Middle East analyst, and within a year she was sent on the first of three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military. She’s held national security roles in the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. For President Obama she helped negotiate some of the Pentagon’s most sensitive national security matters from the fight against ISIS to the U.S. response to Russian aggression. In 2018 she was elected to the House of Representatives, flipping a Trump district. She was reelected in 2020.

The Congresswoman and I discuss her August 6th Senate primary campaign and the recent “far left liberal lunatic” attack by Donald Trump; Marjorie Taylor Greene, her motion-to-vacate debacle and why Democrats helped rescue Speaker Mike Johnson; the November election and RFK Jr; the antisemitism crisis; and the anti-Israel protests on college campuses.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Stephanie Grisham May 08, 2024

Stephanie Grisham is the New York Times bestselling author of “I’ll Take Your Questions Now, What I Saw in the Trump White House.” During the Trump Administration she served as White House press secretary and director of communications for both the President and First Lady, Melania Trump. She is the only person in history who has held three senior roles at once, while representing both the east and west wings.

Steph's back in THE BACK ROOM to help unpack the first two weeks of Donald Trump's New York election-interference ('hush-money') trial...including his mental state; Melania, Junior and Ivanka's absence; and yes, the snoozing and farting! We also discuss Biden, the election, the impact of abortion, and who she'll be voting for. Don't miss this fun, insightful chat!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Gershon Baskin May 06, 2024

Gershon Baskin is an Israeli writer, columnist, author and one of the most recognizable names in the Middle East Peace process. He is the Middle East Director of ICO…International Communities Organization and is the Director of the Holy Land Bond. Ad he is the co-founder and former co-director of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information. During the Premiership of the late Yitzhak Rabin, he served as a special advisor on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to a secret team of intelligence officers established by Mr. Rabin. In 2011, after five years of negotiation with Hamas, he successfully brokered the release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit.

Gershon shares his thoughts on the pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel protests on college campuses across America, and offers his critical perspective on an extremely complicated, nuanced, volatile situation which predates and includes the barbaric October 7th attack, as well as the actions taken by Israel since. We discuss the hostage negotiations; the current ceasefire offer; the desperate need for peace; and the necessity of a two-state solution. Once again, Gershon provides honest, balanced historical context for this centuries-old conflict in the region

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Susan Glasser May 04, 2024

Susan B. Glasser is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where she writes a weekly column on life in Washington. She’s served as the top editor of several Washington publications, including Politico, where she founded the award-winning Politico Magazine, and Foreign Policy, which won three National Magazine Awards, among other honors, during her tenure as editor in chief. Before that, she worked for a decade at the Washington Post, where she was the editor of Outlook and national news. She also oversaw coverage of the impeachment of Bill Clinton, served as a reporter covering the intersection of money and politics, spent four years as the Post’s Moscow co-bureau chief, and covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She edited Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, early in her career. Her books include “Kremlin Rising,” “The Man Who Ran Washington,” and, most recently, “The Divider,” a best-selling history of Donald Trump in the White House, which she co-wrote with her husband, Peter Baker.

Susan and I discuss her terrific new column, "Is 2024 Doomed to Repeat 1968 or 2020—Or Both", how these elections are similar and differ, and how it all portends for November. It's a fascinating look into Donald Trump, the Republican Party, and the institutional failures in the political system that have resulted in the existential threat to American democracy.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Eric Segall May 02, 2024

Eric J. Segall is a constitutional law scholar, professor, and author of the books Originalism as Faith, and Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court is not a Court and its Justices are not Judges. His articles on constitutional law have appeared in, among others, the Harvard Law Review Forum, the Stanford Law Review On Line, the UCLA Law Review, the George Washington Law Review, the Washington University Law Review, the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law, the Northwestern University Law Review Colloquy, and Constitutional Commentary among many others. His op-eds and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the LA Times, The Atlantic, SLATE, Vox, Salon, and the Daily Beast, among others and his television appearances include CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and France 24.

Join us for this compelling conversation about the Supreme Court, its controversial rulings, conflicts of interest, ethics transgressions, and whether Democrats should 'stack' the court; abortion, Roe v Wade, and Dobbs; Donald Trump and last week's SCOTUS immunity hearing; the 2nd Amendment; and more.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Danny Cevallos Apr 29, 2024

It was a dizzying week in court for Donald Trump, from the Supreme Court's hearing on immunity to the New York election-interference ("hush-money") trial. Criminal defense attorney and MSNBC legal analyst Danny Cevallos makes his first appearance in THE BACK ROOM to help unpack it all and more.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mary Trump Apr 27, 2024

Mary L Trump is a trained Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. She’s the author of two New York Times best-selling books… Too Much and Never Enough and The Reckoning. her next BOOK, Who Could Ever Love You: A Family Memoir, will be published in September. She publishes The Good In Us newsletter on Substack, and is well-known as the niece and outspoken critic of former president Donald Trump.

Join us as Mary helps unpack the week's dizzying legal proceedings and the current toll they're taking on Donald Trump. As always, Mary's insights and perspective keep us riveted!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Cliff Chenfeld Apr 25, 2024

If you're a 21st Century parent you likely know what KIDZ BOP is! My close pal of 30 years Cliff Chenfeld co-founded this wildly popular and successful music franchise, and he joined me in THE BACK ROOM for a fun, intimate chat about his illustrious career and the ever-changing music business.

Cliff's an NYU law school graduate, music entrepreneur, writer, radio host, and film producer. He co-founded and was co-CEO of Razor & Tie, an independent music company that included a label, a music publishing company and the top kids’ audio brand Kidz Bop. He’s also been a partner in several music festivals including WonderBus and WonderWorks, and has executive produced of a number of films including Joan Baez: How Sweet The Sound, Serious Moonlight and Concussion. He is the host of the NPR radio show Modern Sounds and writes a monthly Substack column on new music. He serves on several non-profit boards and is active in Democratic politics

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jonathan Burkhart Apr 23, 2024

Yes, it's true! At 13 Jonathan worked as a camera operator at a television station on Nantucket for its 5:30pm newscast and then was promoted 2 years later to news director. After college he worked as a cameraman for film and tv. His film credits include Spike Lee's “Do the Right Thing” and “Mo' Better Blues,” “Mountain View” for John Sayles, “A Better Tomorrow” for John Woo, and “Dazed and Confused” for Richard Linklater. He later produced independent films, television, and theater, including the award-winning "Baby Steps", “Higher Ground,” “Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding,” “The Last Keepers” “Rhymes with Banana” and most recently “Antarctica”. His TV projects include “Almost There”, "Ivy Dreams," “Must Do Disney”, The Super Bowl Half Time Show, “Away We Go” by Jonathan Larson, and the “Tomorrow is Tonight Show” starring Ben Stiller.

Jonathan's also produced commercials for Time Warner, Ford, Disney, Chase and American Express. In theater, he produced the Tony nominated Broadway production of Mario Cantone’s “Laugh Whore,” the award-winning play “Avow”, and the 10th anniversary original-cast production of RENT. He is also co-founder of the Nantucket Film Festival, and is event producer for Project ALS, the organization launched by his friend Jenifer Estess, who died from the disease in 2003.

I've known JB a couple of decades now, so it was a lot of fun to sit down with him as part of our Live-Audience Series and learn more about his life, career, and his very poignant memories of his dear friend Jonathan Larson, the famed Broadway composer, lyricist and playwright (RENT).

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Tonya Mosley Apr 20, 2024

Tonya Mosley is an Emmy award-winning journalist and co-host of Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. She is also the founder of TMI Productions, an audio documentary production company that produces the award-winning podcast Truth Be Told and the documentary She Has A Name in collaboration with American Public Media. Previously, Tonya was a television correspondent for various news outlets, including NBC and Al Jazeera America. She also served as the LA-based co-host of Here & Now, a midday radio show co-produced by NPR and WBUR.

Tonya and I discuss her childhood and early influences; her new docuseries; and her illustrious career. This is a riveting in-depth dive into Tonya's life and work.

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Bill Weir Apr 17, 2024

Bill Weir is a veteran award-winning anchor, writer, producer, and host who came to CNN in 2013 after a decade of award-winning journalism at ABC News. In 2019, he was named the network’s first Chief Climate Correspondent, drawing on his experience creating and hosting the primetime CNN Original Series “The Wonder List with Bill Weir,” now streaming on Discovery+.

Throughout his network career, Bill’s reported from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, covering breaking news and uncovering global trends including Hurricane Katrina, the Japan tsunami, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. As a writer and anchor, Weir produced several special hours for CNN and ABC prime time on topics ranging from religion, brain science and Woodstock to the business of mail-order brides and the rise and fall of General Motors. His first book, Life As We Know It (Can Be) is on sale April 16th.

Bill discusses the worry and wonder of climate change and how communities can galvanize around nature and each other to provide hope and real change for a better future.

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Stephanie Mencimer Apr 15, 2024

Stephanie Mencimer covers legal affairs and domestic policy in Mother Jones’ Washington Bureau. She is the author of Blocking the Courthouse Door: How the Republican Party and Its Corporate Allies Are Taking Away Your Right to Sue. She appeared in the documentary “Hot Coffee,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and was based in part on her book. She is also a contributing editor of the Washington Monthly, a former investigative reporter at the Washington Post and senior writer at the Washington City Paper. She was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2004 for a Washington Monthly article about myths surrounding the medical malpractice system.

Join us for this fun, insightful chat about Stephanie's new piece, “From Laddie Mag Model to RNC Co-Chair: Lara Trump, Nepo-Spouse”; Donald Trump; MAGA extremism; the GOP crazy caucus; and RFK Jr and the November election.

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Sarah McCammon Apr 13, 2024

Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and cohost of The NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including the intersections of politics and religion, reproductive rights, and the conservative movement. She is also a frequent guest host for NPR news magazines, and has appeared on the BBC, CNN, PBS, and MSNBC. During the 2016 election cycle, Sarah was NPR’s lead political reporter assigned to the Donald Trump campaign and previously reported for NPR Member stations in Georgia, Iowa and Nebraska.

Sarah is the author of the terrific new book The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church. In this fascinating conversation, Sarah shares her deeply personal journey of faith to freedom; explains white evangelical support for Trump; and offers compelling insights on religion in America today.

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Paul Begala Apr 11, 2024

Paul Begala is a CNN political commentator, consultant and NY Times best-selling author. Along with his partner James Carville, he was one of the masterminds behind Bill Clinton's winning presidential campaign in 1992 and later served as Counselor to the President, serving as one of President Clinton's closest aides, and coordinating policy, politics, and communications. In the 2012 campaign, Paul was a senior adviser for the pro-Obama Super PAC, making Begala one of the few people to play a critical role in electing two different presidents.

Paul is back in The Back Room, and as always, he brings his inimitable wit and wisdom on a range of critical subjects including Trump and his existential threat to democracy; right-wing religious extremism and its Orange Jesus worship; RFK Jr and his VP pick Nicole Shanahan; Liz Cheney, the November election and the latest polling; the economy; and more.

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Miles Taylor Apr 08, 2024

Miles Taylor is a national security expert who served in the Trump administration as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security, where he published an “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller A Warning, revealed himself to be the author, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump’s reelection. He’s worked as an advisor in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, on Capitol Hill, and as a CNN contributor. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Blowback, and the host of the “The Whistleblowers” podcast.

Miles is back in The Back Room to discuss his revised paperback edition of Blowback (out April 9) and the intensifying threats of a Donald Trump 2.0, including his promises of dictatorship and weaponizing of the government to exact revenge on his opponents and perceived enemies.

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Ian Bremmer Apr 06, 2024

Ian Bremmer is a political scientist, Columbia University professor and president and founder of geopolitical risk advisory firm Eurasia Group, and GZERO Media, which covers international affairs. He is the author of eleven books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Us vs. Them: The Failure of Globalism,” and his latest book, “The Power of Crisis: How Three Threats—and Our Response—Will Change the World”. Ian serves as rapporteur of the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and is the foreign affairs columnist and editor at large for Time magazine. He is the host of GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, a global affairs program that airs weekly on US public television. Ian is also a frequent guest on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and many other news outlets globally.

Ian and I get into it all: Putin, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, Israel, Trump, Biden, the November election and its impact on American foreign policy.

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Jonathan Vigliotti Apr 03, 2024

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. His just released debut book is Before It’s Gone: Stories from the Front Lines of Climate Change in Small-Town America.

Join us for this important conversation about the climate crisis, its devastating consequences, and what we can do to protect and preserve the environment.

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Jocelyn Benson Apr 01, 2024

Jocelyn Benson is Michigan's 43rd Secretary of State, and has become one of the nation’s most prominent leaders in ensuring elections are secure and accessible. Her work overseeing Michigan’s 2020 and 2022 general elections, earned her national recognition, including the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal. She also implemented new voting rights for all eligible Michiganders prior to the 2020 election, including the right to vote absentee, and oversaw more than 250 audits after the election, all of which affirmed its integrity and accuracy.

At 36 she was appointed dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, becoming the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school, and continues to serve as vice chair of the advisory board for the Levin Center at Wayne Law, which she founded with former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. She is the author of the book State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, and is a frequent tv news commentator.

Join us as the Secretary discusses the past, present and future of election integrity and security in Michigan and across the United States.

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Don Lemon Mar 30, 2024

Don Lemon is a best-selling author, journalist and former anchor of the long-running CNN primetime program, Don Lemon Tonight. He made headlines recently when his newly launched The Don Lemon Show, originally set to launch on X, formerly Twitter, was cancelled by Elon Musk after his interview with the testy billionaire tech-bro. The show is available on YouTube and all audio and video platforms.

Don has won a variety of distinguished awards including an Edward R. Murrow award, multiple Emmys and a Peabody award, among others. He’s also been recognized as a leading influential figure by Ebony magazine, The Advocate, Out and others. And in 2011, he broke barriers by revealing he was gay in his auto-biographical book Transparent. His 2021 book This is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was inspired by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

Join us as Don and I get into it all...the old show, the new show, Musk and more. It's a truly don't-miss conversation.

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Katie Rogers Mar 27, 2024

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, where she has worked since 2014. She has traveled the world covering two presidential administrations, writing extensively about domestic policy, foreign policy and the complicated dynamics of first families. Her just published first book is American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden . Join us for this fun, insightful chat about the role of the First Lady, and the best and worst moments of the last several decades!

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Tom Nichols Mar 25, 2024

Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He’s an expert on international security issues who taught national security affairs for 25 years at the U.S. Naval War College, as well as at the Harvard Extension School, Dartmouth College, and Georgetown University. He is the author of several books on Russia, the Cold War, and international politics. A new, updated edition of his most recent book, Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy, will be released in April.

Tom brings his inimitable wit and wisdom back into The Back Room to discuss Putin, Ukraine and the recent Russian 'election'; Trump's legal troubles; the Biden administration; the November election and the existential threat to democracy; "campus culture" and the youth vote; the MAGA cult; and more.

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Jennifer Rodgers Mar 23, 2024

Jennifer Rodgers is a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Law at the NYU School of Law, and a Legal Analyst for CNN. She teaches, writes, and speaks about government ethics, public corruption, sports corruption, and criminal law issues. Between 2000-2013, Jennifer worked at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she served in numerous capacities, including as a Deputy Chief Appellate Attorney, the Chief of the Organized Crime Unit, and a Chief of the General Crimes Unit. She serves on the Board of Directors for the New York City Bar Association.

Join us for this informative, insightful chat as Jennifer helps unpack each of Donald Trump's civil and criminal cases and how and when he may finally be held accountable...or not.

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Brian Karem Mar 20, 2024

Brian Karem is a weekly columnist for Salon. He is the former executive editor for The Sentinel newspaper group and the former senior WH correspondent for Playboy Magazine. He’s also a regular columnist for The Washington Diplomat and appears frequently on the country’s top-rated news shows. He has covered every presidential administration since Ronald Reagan, sued Donald Trump 3 times successfully to keep his press pass, spent time in jail to protect a confidential source, covered wars in the Middle East and is the author of seven books. His latest is Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It. He is also the host of the podcast, “Just Ask the Question”.

Brian brings decades of experience and his humor into The Back Room for a fun, insightful chat about Trump and his existential threat to democracy; the GOP's complicity; the current political landscape; the upcoming presidential election; and more. We also discuss his rock band, and, he reveals his top 5 musical artists of all time! (finally, someone names the right #1!).

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rachel Bitecofer Mar 18, 2024

Rachel Bitecofer is a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist. Bitecofer’s interviews and analysis have been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, and many other prominent news sources. She's worked with Democratic Party candidates and organizations to implement negative partisanship strategy in the 2022 midterms. Her latest book is Hit ‘Em Where it Hurts: How to Save Democracy By Beating Republicans At Their Own Game.

Rachel is wicked smart, funny AF and super-engaging. And she's in The Back Room discussing her new book, the current political landscape, the 2024 election, and what President Joe Biden and Democrats need to do between now and then to ensure victory.

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S.E. Cupp Mar 16, 2024

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom.

S.E.'s back in THE BACK ROOM discussing her new Daily News opinion piece about President Joe Biden, Donald Trump and the November election.

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Pete Souza Mar 14, 2024

Pete Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer for the entire tenure of the presidency of Barack Obama. He is the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Obama: An Intimate Portrait and Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents. A photojournalist since the late 1970s, Souza was also an official White House photographer during the Reagan administration, a freelance photographer for Life and National Geographic, and the Washington-based natural national photographer for the Chicago Tribune.

A documentary about his work at the White House, The Way I See It, was nominated for an Emmy, and its Premier was the highest rated non-news, non-live program in MSNBC history. He is a professor emeritus at Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication. In 2021, Souza was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame.

As Obama‘s photographer, Pete had one of the coolest jobs on the planet. And when he left the White House, he for years threw shade on Donald Trump through his humorous and sarcastic Twitter posts. Join us for this captivating look back on Pete's illustrious life and career. He also has some interesting insights into how the Biden Administration could be handling the "age" issue more effectively through its photos. It's a truly don't-miss conversation!

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Jane Lynch Mar 12, 2024

Jane Lynch is a five-time Emmy winner and is known for her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on Glee. She currently hosts NBC’s revival of Weakest Link and appears in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Additional television credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Good Fight, Criminal Minds, Two and a Half Men and hosted Hollywood Game Night. Lynch’s film credits include Wreck It Ralph I and II, The Three Stooges, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Role Models, Julie & Julia, A Mighty Wind and Best In Show.

Join us for this truly fun chat as Jane takes us on an insightful ride through her illustrious career in theater, television, film and commercials.

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Barbara Res Mar 09, 2024

Barbara A. Res is an attorney, author, engineer and 40+ year veteran of the Construction and Real Estate Development industries. Res was an executive vice president in charge of construction at the Trump Organization and has spoken out publicly against her former boss, Donald Trump, particularly about his treatment of women. In October 2020, Res released her memoir, Tower of Lies: What My Eighteen Years of Working With Donald Trump Reveals About Him about her experiences at the Trump Organization.

Barbara shares some pretty fascinating, highly-revealing insights into Donald Trump, his family, his administration, his company and his massive legal troubles. Come for the Trump insanity, stay for her singing "All of Me"!

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Thom Zimny Mar 07, 2024

Thom Zimny is an Emmy and Grammy award-winning filmmaker, renowned for directing, producing, and editing critically acclaimed documentaries about some of the greatest artists of our time. Recently, he’s co-directed "WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY”, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and is now streaming on Paramount +. He also directed the HBO documentary, "ELVIS PRESLEY: THE SEARCHER,”, Netflix’s doc "SLY," which explores Sylvester Stallone's 50-year legacy in Hollywood, and he co-directed "The Beach Boys," which will premier later this year. Thom’s also collaborated with Bruce Springsteen for 25 years, which includes winning an Emmy for outstanding director for 2018’s "SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY.” And he’s directed music videos for Bob Dylan and John Cougar Mellencamp.

Thom takes us back to childhood, his early inspirations, and shares his thoughts on his iconic film subjects and the business of making docs today.

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Danny Bonaduce Mar 06, 2024

Over the course of his 60-year career Danny Bonaduce’s been an actor, reality tv star, radio host, author, and professional wrestler. He’s most famous for his role as the wisecracking red-headed bass-playing middle son Danny Partridge on the iconic 70’s sitcom THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. He’s starred in or appeared in several TV series and films, including Corvette Summer starring Mark Hamill, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Drew Carey Show and the VH1 reality show Breaking Bonaduce. He also co-hosted the daytime talk show The Other Half and has hosted radio shows in LA, Philly, and Seattle. He retired from show biz late last year.

This just might be the most fun we've EVER had in The Back Room! Danny is not only funny AF, he's also brutally honest about his experiences with child abuse, addiction, crime, unemployment, homelessness, three marriages and more.

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Elie Honig Mar 02, 2024

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and last year's Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media.

Once again, Elie's in The Back Room helping us unpack Donald Trump's myriad court cases, especially the controversial decision by the Supreme Court this week to decide Trump's criminal immunity claim.

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Alan Zweibel Feb 29, 2024

Alan Zweibel was an original Saturday Night Live writer who’s won numerous Emmy and Writers Guild of America awards for his work in television which includes It's Garry Shandling's Show (which he co-created and produced), The Late Show with David Letterman, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. In the theater, he collaborated with Billy Crystal on the Tony Award winning play "700 Sundays”, Martin Short's "Fame Becomes Me”, and the off-Broadway hit "Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner - Sort of a Romantic Comedy" which he adapted from his bestselling book. In total, Alan has written 11 books including his Thurber Prize-winning novel "The Other Shulman" and, most recently, a cultural memoir titled "Laugh Lines - My Life helping Funny People Be Funnier." Because of his diverse body of work, the Writers Guild of America, East has honored Alan with a Lifetime Achievement Award".

What a truly fun chat listening to Alan's riveting memories of childhood; the early days of SNL; his cherished relationship with Gilda Radner; his various television and theater collaborations with the most legendary comedians; his books; comedy's new boundaries; and more.

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Kara Swisher Feb 26, 2024

Kara Swisher is the host of the podcast “On with Kara Swisher” and the co-host of the “Pivot” podcast with Scott Galloway, both distributed by New York magazine. She’s also a regular panelist on CNN’s “The Chris Wallace Show.” 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. Her new memoir BURN BOOK is out tomorrow, Tuesday February 27th.

With her inimitable wit and wisdom, Kara's back in THE BACK ROOM discussing the new book...talkin' tech, tech-bros, Trump, and her personal journey from the loss of her father at five to becoming Silicon Valley's top journalist and a hugely successful podcaster.

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Adrienne Elrod Feb 24, 2024

Adrienne Elrod is a political strategist, government affairs expert and communicator with over 25 years of experience working on Capitol Hill, the executive branch and advising corporate and political organizations. A native of Arkansas, she began her political career in President Bill Clinton’s Administration, serving in both the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, Adrienne served as Regional Press Secretary, Texas Communications Director, and Deputy Director of the Congressional Delegate Selection office. On the 2016 presidential campaign, she served as Hillary for America’s Director of Strategic Communications.

Most recently she served in the Biden Administration as Director of External and Government Affairs for CHIPS for America at the Department of Commerce. She also served as Biden for President’s Director of Surrogate Strategy and Operations during the 2020 campaign. She’s also a frequent contributor to NBC and MSNBC News.

Adrienne and I talk Bill and Hillary Clinton, President Joe Biden and the success of Bidenomics, Donald Trump, the 'almost dead' GOP, and the November election. She also takes us back to childhood, her early political years, and reveals her Top 5 musical artists of all-time!

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Daniel-Ryan Spaulding Feb 22, 2024

Daniel-Ryan Spaulding is a stand-up comedian, writer, and influencer who's performed in over 50 countries worldwide. He is Canadian, but lived in Europe for 12 years with his comedy career mainly overseas. He moved to New York City last year, where he’s performed his popular one-man Off-Broadway show Power Gay. He has been an advocate against Antisemitism, against Hamas, and against extremism on the left and right. He believes in a Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Peace agenda!

Join us for this fun, revealing and inspiring chat about using humor to navigate through and overcome life's personal challenges while trying to understand and reconcile the complicated geopolitical landscape

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Chely Wright Feb 20, 2024

Chely Wright is country-music artist, author and LGBTQ+ activist. Named "Top New Female Vocalist" by The Academy of Country Music, she rose to fame as a commercial country singer in the '90s, and has since released 9 studio albums and charted more than 17 singles on the Billboard charts, including "Shut Up and Drive," "Single White Female," and "The Bumper of My S.U.V." She made history by being the first country music star to publicly come out as gay, which she wrote about in her 2010 memoir Like Me. The documentary film about her coming out process, "Wish Me Away", was nominated for an Emmy Award.

Subsequently, her life’s changed to include advocacy and corporate engagement around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and she currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer at Unispace--a global strategy, design, and delivery firm. She is also Vice-Chair of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network Board of Directors, which is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. She was also recognized as a 2023 Crain's New York Business Notable LGBTQ Leader. Her latest book is 2022’s My Moment: 106 Women on Fighting for Themselves.

Chely shares her incredible journey from Wellsville, KS to the Grand Old Opry and her courageous decision to acknowledge her sexuality at the height of her career. This is her brutally honest and inspiring story.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Matt Friend Feb 17, 2024

Matt Friend is an incredibly talented stand-up comedian, actor, and impressionist whose repertoire spans more than 250 flawless vocal and physical impressions of celebrities, politicians, business tycoons and other notables.

So join this hilarious party in The Back Room with Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, Mitch McConnell, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bradley Cooper, Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, Paul Giamatti, Michael Buble, Patrick Mahomes and others! Matt also shares his Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe red carpet experiences; meeting his idols including Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Joel and Jack Antonoff; doing CNN with Jim Acosta; and offers Howard Stern's thoughts on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Molly Roden Winter Feb 14, 2024

Molly Roden Winter is a Brooklyn-based based writer, author and musician. Her personal essays have appeared in The Cut, Time Magazine, Romper, and elsewhere. Her just-released NY Times best-selling book is titled, More: A Memoir of Open Marriage.

Is it possible to enjoy guilt-free sex with whoever you want and still have a loving relationship with your spouse? Molly shares her personal journey through open marriage and polyamory, the inherent benefits and challenges of this unconventional lifestyle, and her experience with not just having multiple lovers, but being in love with multiple people.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Michael Cohen Feb 10, 2024

Michael Cohen is the former personal attorney for Donald Trump and served for years as an executive in the Trump Organization. He is host of the Mea Culpa With Michael Cohen podcast and co-host of Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas podcast, and is a 2x NYT best-selling author. His latest book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X.

Michael shares his thoughts on Trump's big loss in the DC Appeals Court's immunity ruling; the Supreme Court's oral arguments in the 14th Amendment case; the latest in the Stormy Daniels hush-money case; Rep. Elise Stefanik's shocking VP audition; MAGA Mike Johnson and the derailed border deal; Nikki Haley and the campaign; Trump's 'Elvis' delusions; and more. And, he unveils his awesome new Trump impression! This is a truly fun chat you don't wanna miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Mankiewicz Feb 07, 2024

For almost 30 years Josh Mankiewicz has been a correspondent for Dateline NBC, the longest running primetime show in NBC history, and has reported on a variety of stories the 25th anniversary of the O.J. Simpson bronco chase, the Jonestown massacre, and Jon Benet Ramsey investigation. Since 2020, he’s reported for the #1 podcasts Dateline: Missing in America, Motive for Murder and Internal Affairs.

Join us as Josh takes us on a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Dateline and explains the massive popularity of the true crime genre. He also shares some childhood memories, influences and inspirations and his early years as a journalist. And, we have some fun discussing the friendly rivalry with the other "Dateline Daddy" Keith Morrison! So, come for the Keith impressions, stay for the surprising Taylor Swift revelation!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Feb 05, 2024

Alexis Coe is a presidential historian and a fellow at New America, where she is thinking about the presidency in anticipation of America's 250th. She is 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, MSNBC, 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!

Join us for this fascinating chat about American political history, George Washington and the presidency, Donald Trump, the current political landscape, and the future of democracy. This insightful and witty historian also shares her personal history, her exodus from Brooklyn to the Hudson Valley, and her Top 5 musical artists of all-time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Feb 03, 2024

Anthony “The Mooch” 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 also an author, hosts the OPEN BOOK podcast, and is best known for the 11 roller-coaster days he served in the Trump White House as Communications Director.

As a former insider, Mooch never fails to provide astute and unique insights into Donald "The Orange Maniac" Trump's deranged dictatorial mindset and motivations, Trumpism, and the current political landscape as we race towards the critical November election. We also get his thoughts on President Biden, Nikki Haley, the RNC, the economy, public education, and Republicans' insanely antagonistic obsession with Taylor Swift.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Pamela Paul Jan 31, 2024

Pamela Paul is an Opinion columnist for The New York Times. For nine years, she was the editor of The New York Times Book Review and oversaw all books coverage at The New York Times. She was also the longtime host of the weekly Book Review podcast. She is the author and editor of 8 books including The Starter Marriage and the Future of Matrimony, Pornified, Parenting, Inc. and the picture book Rectangle Time. She’s a former contributor to Time and former correspondent for The Economist, and has been a columnist for the Styles section of The Times, Worth magazine and The Economist.

Join Pamela and I for this fun, spirited chat about her latest NY Times column, "'Barbie' is Bad. There, I Said It", and the controversial Oscars snub of the film's director Greta Gerwig and star Margot Robbie.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Jan 28, 2024

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.

This is our first live-audience podcast taping! And it's a truly riveting conversation about America's chilling flirtation with fascism, Donald Trump's dangerous authoritarian behavior, the ongoing threats to democracy of Trumpism, the death of the Republican Party, and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Rich Jan 25, 2024

Frank Rich is a journalist, author, and television producer. A writer-at-large for New York magazine, he was previously chief drama critic and an OpEd columnist for the New York Times. He executive produced the long-running HBO series Succession and Veep as well as the limited series White House Plumbers and the documentaries Six by Sondheim and Becoming Mike Nichols.

Frank's books include The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina and the memoir Ghost Light. He has been awarded 6 Emmys, 3 Peabody Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards, and a Producer’s Guild Award. His journalism honors include the George Polk Award for Commentary and the Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence in Journalism from Harvard University. He has twice been a Pulitzer Prize finalist. In 2015, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. His new limited series for HBO, The Regime, starring Kate Winslet and directed by Stephen Frears, is scheduled to premiere in March 2024.

Join us as Frank takes us on a riveting ride through his celebrated life and illustrious career, sharing memories of childhood, his early theater inspirations (including his relationship over the years with iconic composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim), his tenure at the New York Times, and his award-winning work in television. He also shares his thoughts on the state of the media, AI, the comparisons to Succession's Roy family with the Trumps, and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Edie Falco Jan 23, 2024

Edie Falco is a television, film and stage actor whose roles on HBO's Oz, Showtime's Nurse Jackie and the iconic HBO series The Sopranos have earned her multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards. She currently stars in the hit Peacock series Bupkis as Pete Davidson's mother.

Her Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning play Sideman, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune, ‘Night Mother, and The House of Blue Leaves, for which she received a Tony Award Nomination. Off-Broadway she’s appeared in The Madrid, This Wide Night, The True, and Morning Sun. Her work in feature film includes Cost of Living (American Film Institute’s Best Actress Award), Laws of Gravity (Independent Spirit Award nomination), Sunshine State, Landline, Hurricane, The Funeral, The Addiction, Freedomland, The Land of Steady Habits, Judy Berlin, and the Avatar sequels. …as well as indie film pioneer Hal Hartley’s classics The Unbelievable Truth and Trust, which also starred my late wife Adrienne Shelly.

Edie and I intimately chat for an hour about childhood, life, family, addiction, her illustrious career, The Sopranos, a possible Nurse Jackie re-boot, Trump and politics, the Knicks, her animal-welfare work and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Jan 20, 2024

Jasmine Crockett is an attorney, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and currently serves as the US Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District, which covers much of the city of Dallas and parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. She is a member of the House Oversight and Agriculture Committees.

Rep. Crockett is back in THE BACK ROOM discussing her home state's draconian abortion and immigration laws, the chaos and dysfunction of the Republican House Crazy Caucus, the Trump crazy train, and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Caitlin Keating Jan 18, 2024

Caitlin Keating is a New York City based filmmaker, journalist, and co-founder of Wise Fool Films. She produced 'Take Care of Maya' ,which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and released on Netflix last year. She previously spent over a decade as a reporter and writer at People magazine, having covered hundreds of exclusve human interest and crime stories across the country. She also hosted People's first episodic human interest series, and has contributed to The New York Times, among many other leading publications, and has appeared on NBC’s Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, Investigation Discovery’s hit show People Magazine Investigates, and People Now.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Gary Gulman Jan 15, 2024

Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer whom the New York Times said is “finally being recognized as one of the country’s strongest comedians.” He’s made five TV specials, including the critically-acclaimed new stand-up special for MAX, Born on 3rd Base. He recently released his memoir, Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the 80’s…and can also be seen in the 2019 international blockbuster Joker and the Hulu comedy series Life & Beth, alongside Amy Schumer.

Gary's an incredibly funny stand-up comic and a brilliant comedy writer. Our conversation is both hilarious and insightful, and inspiring, as we discuss his HBO/Max stand-up comedy specials, his hilarious new book, his childhood, mental health, and overcoming challenges.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

James Kirchick Jan 13, 2024

James Kirchick is a journalist, historian, columnist for Tablet magazine, writer at large for Air Mail, and the author of the NYT bestseller, SECRET CITY: The Hidden History of Gay Washington. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Atlantic, the New York Review of Books, New York and Rolling Stone among others. He’s a frequent speaker at colleges and universities across America and at venues including the National Security Agency, the U.S. Department of State, the Oslo Freedom Forum and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. He’s also appeared on Good Morning America, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC and NPR.

Jamie shares his childhood, the evolution of his political thinking and early career, and discusses Israel, antisemitism, campus free speech, homophobia, transphobia, his book about gay DC, and what it's like being a gay conservative in America today.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Tina Nguyen Jan 09, 2024

Tina Nguyen is a national correspondent for Puck, covering the world of Donald Trump and the American right. Previously, she was a White House reporter for Politico, a staff reporter for Vanity Fair Hive, and an editor at Mediaite….and was nominated for a James Beard Award for her coverage of the restaurant industry while working at The Braiser. She is the author of the new book The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out), an explosive, first-person account chronicling the rise of the MAGA movement . Join us for this fascinating conversation as Tina shares her journey through the ground levels of the conservative recruiting machine and into Donald Trump's MAGA cult.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Michael Gerhardt Jan 06, 2024

Michael J. Gerhardt is the Burton Craige Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Scholar in Residence at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and the foremost scholar on impeachment in the United States. He is one of only two legal scholars to testify in three different presidential impeachment hearings and served as Special Counsel to the Presiding Officer in Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. He is the author of six books, including his latest, THE LAW OF PRESIDENTIAL IMPEACHMENT: A Guide For the Engaged Citizen, is on sale January 9th.

Join us for this compelling chat about Donald Trump, his two impeachments, and his ongoing threat to democracy; the Republican-led evidence-free Biden impeachment inquiry and the partisan weaponization of the impeachment process; the Constitution and the history of impeachments; and the motivation for his new book.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Jo "JoJo From Jerz" Carducci Jan 02, 2024

Jo Carducci, also known as "JoJo From Jerz", is a mom living in the Jersey suburbs who, in the wake of the 2016 election, was looking for an outlet to share her frustrations and fears about Donald Trump, so she joined Twitter (X). And she hasn’t looked back since. What once was a sounding board to vent with like-minded people, has turned into a full-time commitment to standing up for democracy and against tyranny in her signature snark and sass. You can find her on all the socials, at http://Patreon.com/JoJoFromJerz, on her Are You F’ng Kidding Podcast, and on Substack with her newsletter of the same name.

Join us for this fun, lively conversation about Jo's fascinating journey from her childhood in Morristown to suburban single mom to social media sensation! Jo shares with us how and when she found her political voice, and how as a 'resister' she uses it to speak out against Trump, Trumpism and the Republican Party.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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

Michael Cohen Dec 30, 2023

Michael Cohen is the former personal attorney for Donald Trump and served for years as an executive in the Trump Organization. He is host of the Mea Culpa With Michael Cohen podcast and co-host of Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas podcast, and is a 2x NYT best-selling author. His latest book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X.

Michael's back in The Back Room helping unpack Trump's latest political and legal troubles, the threat to democracy of Trump 2.0, and answers the chilling question, 'Is mob boss Trump capable of putting out a "hit" on his enemies?'. And of course, we discuss Rudy "Colludy" Giuliani, "Melanoma" Trump's whereabouts, and Michael's pending pardon application. It's another compelling Cohen convo you don't wanna miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com 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 Karl Dec 26, 2023

Jonathan Karl is the chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, co- anchor of This Week and the author of the just released NY Times best-selling book TIRED OF WINNING: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party. He's covered every major beat in Washington, DC, and reported from the White House under four presidents and fourteen press secretaries. He's also a former president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. His prior books, Front Row at the Trump Show and Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, were also instant New York Times bestsellers.

Join us as Jonathan and I get into his new book, which is packed with incredibly detailed reporting and fascinating, shocking, and at times chilling inside information about Trump and what another Trump presidency would be like. We also discuss his prior books, Nikki Haley and the 2024 election, and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Steele Dec 23, 2023

Michael Steele is the former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, MSNBC political analyst and host of the Michael Steele Podcast.

Join us for this insightful, entertaining chat about Trump and his 14th Amendment and immunity cases; the ongoing threats from Trumpism; the slow death of the GOP; RNC chair Ronna McDaniel's failure, and how he'd fix that broken organization; Joe Biden, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Liz Cheney and the 2024 presidential election; and the fall of Rudy Giuliani.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Naysa Woomer Dec 19, 2023

Naysa Woomer served as the former Communications Director for the now former and disgraced, indicted U.S. Congressman George Santos. She’s a Republican communications advisor who previously worked for former Massachusetts Gov Charlie Baker, the Republican Party of Massachusetts and Reps. Ryan Costello (PA), Thomas Massie (KY) & Tim Huelskamp (KS). She’s made various media appearances on MSNBC's The Beat with Ari Melber, CNN This Morning & with CNN’s Jim Acosta.

Join us for a fun, fascinating look inside the wild and wacky world of George Santos from someone in the chaotic front seat of this unprecedented political roller-coaster!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig Dec 16, 2023

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and this year's book Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media.

Elie's back in The Back Room helping unpack the week's legal developments regarding Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani and the Texas abortion case.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Ritchie Torres Dec 13, 2023

Rep. Ritchie Torres, at 25, became New York City's youngest elected official, and the first openly LGBTQ person elected in the Bronx. He currently represents New York’s 15th Congressional District and is a member of the Financial Services Committee and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party.

Rep. Torres' life personifies the true American success story. It's an inspirational narrative of overcoming socioeconomic, health/mental health and sexuality struggles to great accomplishment at an unprecedented young age. He shares with us his impoverished childhood and his meteoric ascent to the City Council in 2013 and into the United States Congress eight years later. He's been called 'Israel's loudest House supporter' and has become a powerfully outspoken voice against the tidal-wave of antisemitism sweeping across the country. Join us for this incredibly important and moving conversation.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Dean Phillips Dec 11, 2023

Rep. Dean Phillips is a third-term Democratic Congressman from Minnesota’s 3rd District and is running for president against Joe Biden. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Small Business Committees, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. Known for his bipartisan approach to governing, he is a current member of the House Problem Solvers Caucus and served as vice chair.

We discuss his childhood and background, his early inspirations, his business success, his decision to enter politics in 2018, and why he's decided to take on Biden in an unorthodox primary bid against an incumbent president. It's a conversation you don't want to miss...

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tom Nichols Dec 09, 2023

Tom Nichols is an author, staff writer at The Atlantic, and an expert on international security issues who taught national security affairs for 25 years at the U.S. Naval War College, as well as at the Harvard Extension School, Dartmouth College, and Georgetown University. He is the author of several books on Russia, the Cold War, and international politics. His most recent book is Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy.

Tom joins me for an insightful, compelling conversation about Donald Trump's continuing existential threat to democracy, and his chilling new piece in The Atlantic's 'all-Trump' issue, "A Military Loyal to Trump". He also shares some entertaining anecdotes about his days as a five-time Jeopardy! champion 30 years ago!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Chris Cuomo Dec 05, 2023

Chris Cuomo is host of the nightly news show "Cuomo" on NewsNation and The Chris Cuomo Project podcast. Join us for this insightful, entertaining chat as Chris and I discuss what's good, bad and ugly in the world, including his thoughts on the Jets, Knicks, Taylor Swift, Public Enemy, The Beatles and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dr. Alexander Vindman and Rachel Vindman Dec 02, 2023

Dr. Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who most recently served on the National Security Council. He was thrust into the national spotlight in October 2019 when he testified before Congress during former president Donald Trump's first impeachment hearing. He is currently a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, and leads the national security think tank, the Institute for Informed American Leadership. He’s an executive board member for the Renew Democracy Initiative and a senior advisor for VoteVets. He frequently appears on NPR, MSNBC, and CNN and is the author of the book "Here, Right Matters: An American Story".

Rachel Vindman is an opinion columnist at USA TODAY and a member of the USA Today Board of Contributors. She's an activist and political commentator and also co-hosts the Suburban Women Problem podcast.

Join me and this dynamic power-couple as we discuss the Israel-Hamas war; the hostage crisis; the failure of the Netanyahu government; the rise in rabid antisemitism; the 'forgotten' Ukraine-Russia war; the continued threat to our democracy from Donald Trump and Trumpism; the 2024 election and Alex's twin brother Eugene's candidacy for Virginia's 7th Congressional district seat; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Zelda Roland, Ph.D. Nov 30, 2023

Zelda Roland is the Founding Director of the Yale Prison Education Initiative at Dwight Hall, which brings access to Yale classes and other campus programming to incarcerated students in Connecticut. A Yale alumna (BA 08, PhD16), she also serves as the inaugural director of University of New Haven’s Prison Education Program and its partnership with YPEI, through which incarcerated students earn degrees in prison and receive support when released from confinement. She is a Lecturer in Yale’s Education Studies Program, a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications at the University of New Haven, an affiliated faculty of the Arthur Liman Center for Public Interest Law at Yale Law School, and a fellow of Jonathan Edwards College.

Zelda and I discuss the genesis of the program, how it works, its success and why programs like these are critically important to society.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Bess Freedman Nov 28, 2023

Bess Freedman is CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the United States. She draws upon her law background and passion for helping people to drive change within the company and the larger real estate industry. She’s declared Juneteenth a company-wide holiday, made Election Day a paid day off, partnered with the Human Rights Campaign in support of legislation protecting rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and provides travel expenses for employees seeking to obtain legal and safe abortions.

An advocate for social change, Bess is on the Board of The Bridge, an organization focused on the needs of homeless and housing-insecure, and an advocate for Sanctuary for Families. She also supports the mentorship program at YJP (Young Jewish Professionals), the Leadership Now Project--a corporate initiative to protect democracy--and the Kalief Browder Foundation. Before entering real estate, she practiced law as an Assistant State's Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland, and worked at Legal Aid as an attorney fighting for the rights of under-served youth in NYC.

This is a truly compelling conversation about Bess's successful business career and what lies ahead for real estate market; her important, inspirational advocacy work; and what it means to be a passionate and proud Jew in these turbulent times rife with rabid antisemitism and war.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Miles Taylor Nov 25, 2023

Miles Taylor is a national security expert who served in the Trump administration as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security, where he published an “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller A Warning, revealed himself to be the author, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump’s reelection. He’s worked as an advisor in the George W. Bush administration, on Capitol Hill, and as a CNN contributor. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Blowback, and the host of the “The Whistleblowers” podcast.

Miles is a true patriot, is full of great stories and anecdotes, and is a pretty funny guy (come for his Trump impression, stay for the 'spooning'!)...all of which makes for an insightful, entertaining conversation. Miles takes us back through the surreal, chaotic, dysfunctional and dangerous Trump White House; the emotional and physical toll it took on him personally; and the existential threat the 4x-indicted GOP front-runner continues to pose to our democracy, especially should he become president again.

Miles also answers the one question no one else has asked him, and he reveals his favorite musical artists of all time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kevin Krim Nov 22, 2023

Kevin Krim is President and CEO at EDO, the TV outcomes company, a leading platform measuring predictive behaviors driven by Convergent TV advertising, and co-founded over 8 years ago with actor and filmmaker Edward Norton and Daniel Nadler. Prior to EDO, Kevin was the General Manager & SVP of CNBC Digital and previously held leadership positions at Bloomberg, Yahoo, and LookSmart, and began his career with McKinsey & Co. He is the co-founder and chairman of the non-profit Lulu & Leo Fund and its flagship Choose Creativity initiative.

Kevin is also one of my 'tragedy buddies'. On the afternoon of October 25, 2012, his wife Marina returned to their Upper West Side Manhattan home with their 3-year-old daughter Nessie to the gruesome discovery that their two other children Lucia and Leo, 6 and 2, had been murdered by their nanny. Kevin shares their inspiring journey through the healing process and their efforts to build the children's legacies through their amazing education non-profit, which can be supported at choosecreativity.org.

Kevin is also an accomplished digital media entrepreneur, and we close out the conversation with a discussion about his company's work, the latest trends in television advertising, and what the future holds for how people view and experience content.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Julianna Margulies Nov 21, 2023

Julianna Margulies is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award winner currently starring as Laura Peterson on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show. She previously starred as Alicia Florrick on the long-running hit CBS show The Good Wife, which she also produced, and was one of the original cast members of ER. More recently, Julianna’s starred on critically acclaimed series including Billions and The Hot Zone...and is the author of her memoir, Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life. She’s been involved with Project ALS, Erin's Law, is also a board member of the New York City-based MCC Theater company, and is the founder of the The Holocaust Educator School Partnership at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

After a brief chat about this Season's The Morning Show, Julianna and I have a brutally honest in-depth conversation about the barbaric October 7 attack on Israel by terrorist organization Hamas; the ensuing war; the outbreak of rabid antisemitism; the mis/disinformation being spread; and the frustration and anger felt by Jews that too few are standing up for us here and abroad.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mark Chiusano Nov 20, 2023

Mark Chiusano covered George Santos as a columnist and editorial writer at New York Newsday. His new book, "The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos", comes out November 28th.

Join us for this insightful, entertaining chat about wild and wacky world of George Santos!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

John Fugelsang Nov 15, 2023

John Fugelsang is a Drama League nominated actor, comedian, and broadcaster who hosts the acclaimed "Tell Me Everything" series on SiriusXM. He's been a regular on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News and hosted "Viewpoint" on Current TV. He’s sold out theaters across the country with Stephanie Miller, Hal Sparks and Aisha Tyler on The Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour. He was also the co-host of 'America's Funniest Home Videos' for 2 seasons. And his acting credits include 'CSI,' Becker,' 'Coyote Ugly,’ 'The Girl On The Train,' "Somewhere In the City," 'The Whole Truth,' ‘Maggie Black,’& the award winning 'Coexist Comedy Tour.'

Join us for this fun chat about the comedy biz, religion, politics and more! 

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jonathan Greenblatt Nov 13, 2023

Jonathan Greenblatt is the CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). 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, he 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.

Join us for this critical in-depth conversation about the barbaric October 7 attack on Israel by terrorist organization Hamas, the ensuing war, and the subsequent explosion of rabid, often violent antisemitism in America and abroad.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Gershon Baskin Nov 11, 2023

Gershon Baskin is an Israeli writer, columnist, author and one of the most recognizable names in the Middle East Peace process. His dedication to creating a culture of peace and environmental awareness, coupled with his impeccable integrity, has earned him the trust of the leaders of all sides of the century old conflict. He is the Director of the Holy Land Bond, a new fund aimed at investing in housing projects for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, integrated housing projects for Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in Israel’s “mixed cities”.

Gershon is the co-founder and former co-director of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information. During the Premiership of the late Yitzhak Rabin, he served as a special advisor on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to a secret team of intelligence officers established by Mr. Rabin. In 2011, after five years of negotiation with Hamas, he successfully brokered the release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit.

Join us for this insightful, riveting conversation about an extremely complicated, nuanced, volatile situation involving the barbaric October 7th attack on Israel by terrorist organization Hamas, the ensuing war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, hostage negotiations, and the desperate need for peace between Israel and Palestinians. And perhaps even more significantly, Gershon provides honest, balanced historical context for this centuries-old conflict in the region

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Alexandra Pelosi Nov 09, 2023

Alexandra Pelosi has written, produced, filmed and directed 15 HBO Documentary Films. She started off her career at NBC News where she served for a decade as a field producer. Covering the campaign of future-President George W. Bush led to her first documentary, Journeys with George. Since then, she has been making films that take the temperature of the American political landscape. She is also the author of two books, Sneaking Into the Flying Circus: How the Media Turn Our Presidential Campaigns Into Freak Shows, and Citizen USA: A 50 State Road Trip.

This is such a fun, insightful, riveting chat about politics and movies with one of America's premier documentary filmmakers. We discuss her early career and inspirations; Trump and Trumpism; the chaos in the House; the 2024 election; the January 6, 2021 insurrection, which is the subject of her most recent films, last year's Pelosi in The House, and her new HBO documentary, The Insurrectionist Next Door; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dr. Sheila Nazarian Nov 07, 2023

Dr. Sheila Nazarian is an Iranian-American board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and the star of the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Skin Decision. She is also a mom, wife, humanitarian and activist.

Join us for this important discussion about the Israel-Hamas war, the rise in rabid anti-Semitism, and what lies ahead for Israel, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Gaza and the overall struggle for peace in the region.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Daniel Byman Nov 04, 2023

Daniel Byman is a professor and Vice Dean at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and the director of the Security Studies Program there and a Senior Fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He’s also a part-time Senior Advisor to the Department of State as part of the International Security Advisory Board and a senior fellow at the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, as well as a Professional Staff Member with both the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the United States (“The 9-11 Commission”) and the Joint 9/11 Inquiry Staff of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. He’s written widely on a range of topics related to terrorism, insurgency, intelligence, social media, artificial intelligence, and the Middle East. He is the author of nine books, and his most recent is Spreading Hate: The White Power Movement Goes Global.

Professor Byman shares his keen insights on the Israel-Hamas war; the threat of escalation from Hezbollah/Lebanon and Iran; the need for Egypt to broker peace; post-war Gaza; Israel's and Bibi Netanyahu's political future; the rise in rabid anti-Semitism; Donald Trump, Trumpism and domestic terrorism; the threat to America from China; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado Oct 31, 2023

Antonio Delgado is Lt. Governor of the State of New York, appointed in May of 2022 and then elected for a full term in November ’22. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving NY’s 19th Congressional District. He played basketball at Colgate, is a Rhodes Scholar, and a graduate of Harvard Law School. He spent 5 years pursuing a career as a hip-hop artist in LA, and then went on to work as an attorney focusing on complex litigation with pro-bono work in criminal justice reform. As Lt. Governor, he serves as chair of the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, oversees the Regional Economic Development Council, and is committed to empowering New York communities through civic engagement.

Join us for this insightful conversation about the Israeli/Hamas war and the rise of anti-Semitism, especially here at home; NY's Hate and Bias Prevention Unit; the GOP House chaos; the success of Bidenomics and the need for better Democratic messaging; political tribalism; and the 2024 election.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Dan Goldman and S.E. Cupp Oct 28, 2023

It's a two-fer in The Back Room! Join us for two incredibly important, insightful conversations about the Maine mass-shooting and America's gun-violence epidemic; the Israeli-Hamas War and the growing tensions here and abroad; the chilling rise in anti-Semitism; the Republican House chaos and Speaker debacle; Donald Trump's legal troubles and the on-going threat to democracy of Trumpism; and more.

Rep. Goldman serves New York’s 10th Congressional District. In 2019, he served as lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Donald J. Trump for abusing his office for his personal interest regarding Ukraine. Prior to that, Goldman served for a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York.

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

May Pang Oct 24, 2023

May Pang is the subject of the just-released documentary THE LOST WEEKEND: A LOVE STORY, in which she recounts her legendary 18-month romantic relationship in ’73/’74 with John Lennon which began at 22 when she was John and Yoko Ono’s personal assistant—an affair orchestrated by Yoko herself. She is also a photographer, author and jewelry designer. Her intimate portraits of John during their time together include rare images of the former Beatle and music legend and his son Julian. In addition to working for Apple Records and John & Yoko, she worked in music publishing at United Artists, Famous Music and Island Records.

May and I discuss this incredible new documentary; her time with John in NY and LA; her thoughts on the phrase "Lost Weekend", her relationships with John's first wife Cynthia Lennon, Julian and Yoko; and the emotional journey she's been on since John's murder in 1980.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

David Jolly Oct 22, 2023

David Jolly is an attorney, political consultant, NBC/MSNBC political analyst and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida from 2014 – 2017. His work has been published in the Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, USA Today, Roll Call, CNN.com, NBCNews.com, NewsMax, the Washington Times, and the Tampa Bay Times. After leaving Congress he became a prominent critic of former President Trump and in 2018 announced he’d left the Republican Party.

David helps unpack the Israeli/Palestinian war and what lies ahead; the GOP House chaos and the Speaker's vacancy; Donald Trump and the overall Republican Party dysfunction; and handicaps the 2024 presidential horse race.

And don't miss the first part of this episode as Andy, Matty and Jen--three American Jews--engage in a spirited debate about the mounting crisis in the Middle East.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tara Setmayer Oct 18, 2023

Tara Setmayer is a former CNN political commentator, contributor to ABC News and former GOP Communications Director on Capitol Hill. She's frequently guest-hosted ABC's The View and appears regularly on MSNBC. She’s also a Senior Advisor for the Lincoln Project and co-hosts the streaming show "The Breakdown" alongside Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson. After spending 27 years with the Republican Party, Tara publicly left the GOP in November 2020 after Donald Trump refused to concede the election to Joe Biden. She now identifies as a 'conservative independent'.

Tara is super smart, super insightful and super engaging. We discuss the crisis in the Middle East, the crisis in the GOP House and the ongoing threat to democracy from Donald Trump and his right-wing extremist election-denying cultists.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Oct 16, 2023

Jasmine Crockett is an attorney, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and currently serves as the US Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District. Elected as a freshman last Fall, her district covers much of the city of Dallas and parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. She is a member of the House Oversight and Agriculture Committees.

Congresswoman Crockett is a Back Room favorite, and she's back with us again to discuss the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel and the war that's followed, as well as the Republican House chaos and the crisis its creating as America supports two allies at war--Israel and Ukraine--without a Speaker and a fully functioning Congress. We also revisit her epic speech during the GOP's recent sham Biden impeachment inquiry.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Sarah Tuttle-Singer Oct 14, 2023

Sarah Tuttle-singer is a writer, author of the book Jerusalem Drawn and Quartered, and works for The Times of Israel. She was born and raised in Venice beach and has lived in Israel for the past 13 years. She now lives in Jerusalem with her kids where she writes stories about people, climbs roofs, and explores the roads not taken…and loves talking with strangers.

Sarah is a friend of mine. A mother of two teenagers and a toddler. And she shares her personal story of what it's like living in this nation at war in the wake of the barbaric terrorist attack last weekend by Hamas. We discuss the shock and horror of that attack; the imminent ground invasion of Gaza; the growing humanitarian crisis and the likelihood of mass casualties on both sides; and the dilemma facing Israel as it mobilizes and goes on the offensive to protect itself and its citizens. An inspiring optimist, Sarah offers her thoughts on compassion, empathy and the long-term prospects for peace in the region. And at one chilling point, our chat is interrupted by gunfire and blaring sirens. It's a riveting conversation you don't want to miss.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

David Hogg Oct 12, 2023

David Hogg is a leader in the fight to end gun violence. He is co-founder of the Leaders We Deserve PAC, a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures nationwide. He is also co-founder of March for Our Lives, an organization that’s helped lead one of the largest youth movements in America.

David rose to prominence during the 2018 gun violence protests as a student survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL. With his sister Lauren, he wrote the NY Times best-selling book #NeverAgain: A New Generation Draws the Line. He was also included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018.

David is an incredibly impressive young man. And our conversation is so compelling. We discuss the gun-violence epidemic in America, what needs to be done to effect real change, and his personal long-term commitment to achieving meaningful gun-reform legislation.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rick Wilson Oct 10, 2023

The inimitable Rick Wilson's back in The Back Room! Rick's a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, co-founder of the political action committee The Lincoln Project, co-founder of media company Resolute Square and a two-time New York Times bestselling author.

It's always uniquely insightful and entertaining when Rick joins the conversation with his razor-sharp wit and wisdom! In this episode he shares his thoughts on Donald Trump's NY State civil fraud trial, Kevin McCarthy's ouster as House Speaker, the GOP House chaos, the 2024 election and a hilarious lightening-round of the presidential candidates.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig Oct 07, 2023

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the recently released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media.

Elie is our first member of The Back Room "Five-Timers" club! And he's back to help unpack Donald Trump's New York State civil fraud trial and his myriad legal troubles going forward.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Guy Nattiv Oct 03, 2023

Guy Nattiv is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker originally from Israel. His first American short film, SKIN, won the 2019 Academy Award© for Best Live Action Short, and the feature version, also titled SKIN, was released in 2019. His recent film, GOLDA, stars Academy Award©-winning actress Helen Mirren as the first female Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir. His next feature TATAMI, premiered at the Venice Int Film Festival in September 2023 to much acclaim. He co-directed the film with Iranian filmmaker Zar Amir Ibrahimi, who won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her film HOLY SPIDER. It is the first ever Israeli/Iranian cinematic collaboration. In Israel, Guy wrote and directed three features, including THE FLOOD, MAGIC MEN and STRANGERS.

Guy shares his early filmmaking inspirations; the GOLDA backstory; the thrill of winning an Oscar for SKIN; the controversy over actors playing characters of different races, religions, etc; and his exciting upcoming projects. We also get into politics too, discussing the parallels between Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing extremism in both America and Israel. And there's a brief cameo from his talented wife and filmmaking partner Jaime Ray Newman!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Stephanie Grisham Sep 30, 2023

Stephanie Grisham is the New York Times bestselling author of “I’ll Take Your Questions Now, What I Saw in the Trump White House.” During the Trump Administration she served as White House press secretary and director of communications for both the President and First Lady, Melania Trump. She is the only person in history who has held three senior roles at once, while representing both the east and west wings.

Steph gives a fascinating window into Donald Trump's current state of mind as he battles his existential political, legal and financial crises which threaten to shut his business and ultimately send him to prison. Is he a flight risk...to Russia? Is America in danger of a "Trump Civil War"? She weighs in on all of this and more, including the GOP debate, a fun lightening-round on the 2024 GOP candidates, MAGA-maniac Peter Navarro and his "Pimp Lady" attack on her, and gives an update on her new animal sanctuary!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Victor Shi Sep 26, 2023

Victor Shi is a Gen Z speaker, writer, and organizer. He currently hosts the daily show "On the Move with Victor Shi" and co-hosts "iGen Politics" with Jill Wine-Banks. He also serves as Strategy Director for Voters of Tomorrow, is a writer for Resolute Square, and is a rising senior at UCLA. Previously, Victor was elected as the youngest delegate for Joe Biden, organized on presidential, state, and local campaigns, and interned at the DNC and the White House. Victor has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, PBS and has been published by, among others, CNN, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune.

Victor shares his keen insights on a number of topical subjects including Donald Trump, Trumpism, 'wokeism', the chaos in the House, the looming shutdown, the Biden 'age' issue, the 2024 election, and the youth vote. Plus an inspiring trip back to his childhood, his early civic engagement and political activity, the critical role teachers played in helping shape his future path, and whether he'd ever run for political office!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Al Franken Sep 24, 2023

Al Franken is a former U.S. Senator, podcaster, comedian, and one of the original writers for Saturday Night Live. During his fifteen seasons with SNL, Franken won five Emmy’s for writing and producing. He’s also the author of four #1 New York Times bestsellers, including Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations; Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them – A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right; and Al Franken, Giant of the Senate. The Al Franken Podcast is one of the nation’s top-ten politics and public affairs podcasts. And his political action committee, Midwest Values PAC, supports progressive Democrats, voting rights, economic and social justice, education, clean energy and accountability.

Al brings his inimitable Mid-Western charm, keen political insights, and sardonic wit into The Back Room for a truly fun chat about his childhood; his early inspirations; his comedy and political beginnings; his SNL years and how comedy has changed since; his love of the Senate and his regrettable resignation; today's Republican Congressional chaos; Trump's legal troubles; the looming government shutdown; the Biden "age" issue and the 2024 election; and whether he'll run for office again.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Peter Frampton Sep 21, 2023

Peter Frampton is one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. In 2007, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints and in 2014 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. His album All Blues was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart. In 2020 Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list, and his 2021 album Frampton Forgets The Words was released to widespread critical acclaim. Later this year, he will appear on Dolly Parton’s forthcoming album, Rockstar (out November 17), as the only artist featured on two tracks.

And after 47 years, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time selling over 17 million worldwide.

What an absolute thrill to have this music legend in The Back Room! Peter and I chat about his initial exposure to music and the guitar; his life-long friendship with David Bowie; his early music influences; his days playing in the bands The Herd and Humble Pie; becoming pals with George Harrison and playing on his masterpiece album All Things Must Pass; the phenomenal success of Frampton.Comes Alive!; living and creating with Inclusion Body Myositis; and his current tour. And, rumor has it there might just be a live impromptu "talk box" performance!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ted Hope Sep 19, 2023

Ted Hope has been a producer on over 70 films, CEO of a start-up streamer, co-head of 3 production companies, executive director of a film society and festival, and the former co-head of movies at Amazon Studios, leading the company to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. As a producer, his films have received 25 Oscar nominations, with 6 wins. He is the author of the memoir Hope For Film and writes a Substack newsletter of the same name. Ted helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, and many others. His most recent films include CASSANDRO, the first narrative from Oscar-winning documentary director Roger Ross Williams, as well as the documentaries FREEDOM ON FIRE, directed by Evgeny Afineevsky; Marina Zenovich’s JERRY BROWN: THE DISRUPTER; and Vanessa Hope's INVISIBLE NATION.

When it comes to producing films, Ted's the real deal...with a stellar career spanning over 35 years. We're thrilled to have him in The Back Room sharing his inimitable wit and wisdom on streamers, the studios and the ever-changing movie ecosystem; the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and the key issues behind them; the impact of AI on content creators; his exciting upcoming film projects; and his love of cheese! He also shares his memories of the early days of indie film, and in particular, working with my late wife Adrienne Shelly and auteur Hal Hartley on THE UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH and TRUST.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Zerlina Maxwell Sep 16, 2023

Zerlina Maxwell is the Senior Director of Progressive Programming for SiriusXM. She is the host of “Mornings w/ Zerlina.” on SiriusXM Channel 127 and hosted “Zerlina.” on MSNBC on PeacockTV for 2 seasons. She’s the author of the book The End of White Politics: How to Heal Our Liberal Divide. She was an MSNBC Political Analyst for a decade. She’s worked on both Barack Obama’s 2008 and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaigns. She’s also a keynote speaker and writer and has written for numerous national publications on subjects including . national politics, policy and culture issues including race, feminism, domestic violence, sexual assault, victim blaming and gender inequality.

Join us for this truly fun, revealing chat. Zerlina and I talk in-depth about very serious subjects including the media, the law, politics, Trump, Trumpism, racism, #MeToo and her personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault, and we also have a bunch of laughs too discussing her childhood, Burning Man, Barbie, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and her Top 5 musical artists of all-time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora Sep 12, 2023

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora currently serves as the Federal Campaign Lead at the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)…and is earning her Master’s degree at the University of Miami in Community and Social Change. Born and raised in Miami, she grew up listening to her Nicaraguan family’s immigration stories and constantly draws inspiration from them. At the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s in English and history and minored in Latin American Studies, she was a coordinator of the Latin@ Diaspora in the Americas Program, a Student Government Senator, interned at the Broward Public Defender’s Office, was an ambassador at La Casita, a contributor for The Huffington Post Latino Voices, and is 1/6th of the online Latina Rebels collective.

Please join us for this compelling conversation about one of the most significant, most complex issues facing America today: immigration. Yareliz explains FLIC's mission and shares her thoughts on immigration reform; the recently enacted draconian Florida Senate Bill 1718; the inhumane treatment and transporting of migrants by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; NYC Mayor Eric Adams' recent inflammatory anti-migrant rhetoric; the existential threat facing DACA/Dreamers; the Hispanic shift to the GOP; and the dangerous impact of Trump and Trumpism on the decades-old immigration debate.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kara Swisher Sep 09, 2023

Kara Swisher is host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast. She’s also editor-at-large of New York Magazine…and the former host of the Sway and Recode Decode podcasts and the co-founder of the technology website, Recode. Kara has been reporting on the industry since the early 1990s. Once called “Silicon Valley's most feared but revered journalist," she’s established herself as the oracle of the tech world with unrivaled access to the industry's most significant leaders. Her new book, BURN BOOK: A TECH LOVE STORY, is described as “a witty, scathing, but fair accounting of the tech industry and its founders who wanted to change the world but broke it instead”. It’s scheduled for release March 5, 2024.

Kara's back in The Back Room for another fun, insightful, no-holds-barred chat about the $8.5-billion Summer of Barbie, Beyonce and Taylor Swift; "Scott-free August" and her very impressive son Louis' recent Pivot appearance; the Burning Man mess; Donald Trump's legal troubles; Elon Musk, his recent anti-Semitic/anti-ADL rhetoric, and the future of Twitter; her upcoming new book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story (3/5/24) and its bad-ass cover photo; and more! You're gonna love this chat with one of the planet's smartest, most unique, engaging media voices.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ruth Ben-Ghiat Sep 05, 2023

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 is back for another insightful, thought-provoking conversation about the increasing threat to democracy from Donald Trump, his corrupt inner circle, his brainwashed cult, and the co-opted Republican Party. We discuss the chilling parallels between their demagoguery and hateful, violence-inciting rhetoric and that of fascist dictators past and present; the rise of fascism and Neo-Nazism; and its impact on American politics and culture.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

George Hahn Sep 03, 2023

Who the hell is better than the inimitable George Hahn?! This actor, writer, podcaster, MSNBC commentator, social media sensation and quintessential bon vivant Manhattan man about town brings his savory snark into The Back Room for a truly fun chat about his Cleveland childhood, work and life in NYC, his nostalgic love of glamour, his big 2020 viral break, his utter disdain for Donald Trump and his MAGA cultists, his epic man-on-the-street rants, and his recent colonoscopy. Plus, a revealing lightning-round and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Steven Hassan Aug 29, 2023

Steven Hassan is an author and mental health professional is considered one of the world's foremost experts on mind control and cults. He is the founder of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center which provides training, consulting and support to individuals who are struggling to leave or recover from a cult and to families and organizations that are concerned about cult behaviors. He has been working in the field of relationship, group, and political cults for over 40 years. His latest book is called The Cult of Trump.

Join us for this thoroughly engrossing conversation about the fascinating and dangerous world of cults. Steven shares intimate details of his personal cult journey in 1970's New York City as a 19-year-old college student recruited into Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church, where he spent over two years; provides keen analysis and insights into why people join cults, why they stay, and how they may eventually get out; and discusses the impact of the Trump cult on America's cultural and political landscapes.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mary Trump Aug 27, 2023

Mary L Trump is a trained Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. She’s the author of two New York Times best-selling books… Too Much and Never Enough and The Reckoning. She is host of The Mary Trump Show podcast and is well-known as the niece and outspoken critic of former president Donald Trump.

It's always a real-eye-opener when Mary's in The Back Room! Join us for this fun, insightful chat about her 4-time indicted uncle and what may lie ahead for him; the ongoing threat of Trumpism; the first Republican debate; and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Chrissy Carroll Aug 22, 2023

Chrissy Carroll is one of the people I affectionately refer to as my "tragedy buddy". One of the awesome folks I've met and befriended along the way who share with me the loss of a loved one due to a sudden, tragic death such as murder.

On a beautiful Summer night in August of 2017, Chrissy and her husband George--both actors and playwrights--were walking along a Brooklyn Street near their home when horror struck. They encountered a group of menacing men loitering outside an apartment building, words were exchanged, and George was fatally stabbed.

This is Chrissy's story. From the nightmare of that fateful night, to navigating through the hellish trial, and her ongoing journey of rebuilding her life as a crime survivor.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony DiMaria Aug 19, 2023

Anthony DiMaria is an actor, director and producer. His New York theatre affiliations include Circle Rep Lab, Actors Studio and The Barrow Group. His film and TV credits include Woody Allen's Cafe Society, Ray Donovan, Deadwood, CSI and The Sopranos. In 2020 he directed and produced the documentary JAY SEBRING....CUTTING TO THE TRUTH, about his uncle who was murdered along with actress Sharon Tate and three others in the notorious Manson Family murders of August 8, 1969. He is currently writing a book on Jay life, legacy and the distortion fallout perpetuated after his murder and the killing of all ten Manson murder victims.

Don't miss this riveting conversation which takes us back to Hollywood in the counterculture 60's; the illustrious life and tragic death at 35 of pioneering celebrity men's hair designer and entrepreneur Jay Sebring; and the gruesome LA crimes which shocked the nation, became the definitive end of the 'peace and love' decade, and remain a pop culture obsession fifty-four years later.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mike Richter Aug 15, 2023

Mike Richter spent 15 years with the New York Rangers where he was a three-time NHL All-Star, a Stanley Cup Champion, and an Olympic Medalist. He retired in 2003 and was named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame 5 years later. He is currently the President of Brightcore Energy and a key spokesperson for environmental issues and a leader in the arena of sustainability.

Mike is a legendary athlete and truly solid citizen whose life work is now dedicated to conserving and protecting the environment. Join us for this inspiring chat about achieving greatness, overcoming adversity and the successful journey through reinvention.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Christine Emba Aug 12, 2023

Christine Emba is an opinion columnist and editor at The Washington Post, where she focuses on ideas, society, and culture. She is also a contributing editor at Comment Magazine and an editor at large at Wisdom of Crowds, which includes a podcast and newsletter. Her book, Rethinking Sex: A Provocation, is about the failures and potential of the sexual revolution in a post-#MeToo world. She was named one of the World’s Top 50 Thinkers by Prospect Magazine in 2022.

Christine's been in the spotlight recently for her column, "Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness". Join us for this important, timely and thought-provoking conversation regarding masculinity and the challenges men struggle with as they search for understanding, relevance, direction and what it means to be a "man" in today's ever-changing world.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Aug 08, 2023

Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is an author, political commentator and educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. He is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor; former chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University; and former president of the American Academy of Religion. He frequently appears in the media as a columnist for TIME Magazine and regularly appears on MSNBC and Meet the Press. His most recent book is 2020’s Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own. He is also host of the History is Us podcast.

Please join us for this brutally honest conversation about race and racism in America today, and the role played by Donald Trump and Trumpism in stoking the flames of hatred. Eddie also takes us back through his childhood, his complicated relationship with his father, the challenges he faced in his youth, his early inspirations and his journey to academic and literary success.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig Aug 05, 2023

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media.

Amid the media madness of Indictment Week, we're thrilled that Elie was able to hit The Back Room (especially for our 100th episode!) to help unpack Trump's latest legal quagmire and how this new indictment and all the other trials may play out over time...including why Trump will likely never see the inside of a prison.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Cohen Jul 31, 2023

Michael Cohen is host of the Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen podcast and is a two-time New York Times best-selling author. His latest book is Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X. And he’s most notable for having served for many years as Donald Trump’s personal attorney and also as an executive in the Trump Organization.

Michael's back in The Back Room unpacking the mounting legal troubles of the Thief-in-Chief, his disgraced former lawyer #Giuliani and his other crooked cronies!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Steele Jul 29, 2023

Michael Steele is the former Republican National Committee Chairman, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, MSNBC political analyst and host of the Michael Steele Podcast.

Join us for this truly fun, insightful, compelling chat about Trump, Trumpism, the GOP, and the 2024 presidential election. We also explore Michael's childhood, his early influences, his initial desire to become a priest and he answers the burning question of why he became a Republican!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Donovan X. Ramsey Jul 25, 2023

Donovan X. Ramsey is a journalist and author who writes about issues of identity, justice, and patterns of power in America. His reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, GQ, WSJ Magazine, Ebony, and Essence, among other outlets and he’s been a staff reporter at the Los Angeles Times, NewsOne, and theGrio. He just released to much critical acclaim his debut book When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era, which explores how Black America survived the crack epidemic.

Join us for this extremely important, riveting conversation which explores the origins of the crack epidemic of the 1980's and early 90's; the "war on drugs" and "just say no" era; criminal injustice and racism; the current opioid and fentanyl crisis; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Eric Swalwell Jul 22, 2023

Eric Swalwell represents California's 14th Congressional District. A former prosecutor, he serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee. He was appointed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as an Impeachment Manager for Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.

Rep Swalwell is known for being tough on his Republican opponents, Trump and Trumpism. He speaks truth to power in this insightful chat about the House, the GOP and its threat to democracy, and where the country is headed as we approach yet another critical election. We also talk about balancing parenting and work, and the benefits of membership in the House Dad's Caucus.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Taylor Lorenz Jul 18, 2023

Taylor Lorenz is an author and Washington Post columnist covering technology and online culture. Before joining The Post, she was a technology reporter for the New York Times' business section. She was also previously a technology reporter at the Atlantic and the Daily Beast. Her first book Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet, will be released this October and is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, simonandschuster.com, etc.

Taylor shares her thoughts on META's new Threads app; the fate of Twitter; the Zuckerberg vs Musk battle (in and out of the cage-match ring!); her own sparring with Musk; Musk's new AI company; the real threat(s) from TikTok; and discusses her book, which is described as "the inside, untold story of what we have done to the internet, and what it has done to us"

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Lucas Kunce Jul 15, 2023

Lucas Kunce is a 13-year Marine veteran, national security expert, and antitrust advocate running against Missouri’s Republican Senator Josh Hawley. After three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Lucas was stationed at the Pentagon, where he served on the Joint Staff to contain the threat of nuclear and chemical weapons around the globe, and later represented the U.S. in arms control negotiations with NATO and Russia. After active duty, he became the National Security Director for the American Economic Liberties Project, a non-profit which advocates corporate accountability legislation and aggressive enforcement of anti-trust regulations. He currently serves in the Marine Corps Reserves.

Join us for this inspiring chat about family and community. About overcoming childhood poverty and family health challenges. About the fight to kick Mr. FistPump McManhoodBook to the curb and take power back for everyday, working-class families in Missouri and across America. About what Democrats can do to defeat Republicans, Trump and Trumpism in the 2024 election.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kat Abughazaleh Jul 11, 2023

Kat Abughazaleh is a senior video producer at Media Matters and a well-known Fox News watcher. She's a prominent social media personality who's become very popular through her TikTok videos and similar political content on Twitter. She regularly posts biting videos citing the dishonest, bizarre and often sexist, homophobic, racist behavior of Fox hosts, the network itself, and ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson.

Kat's back in The Back Room for a seriously fun, insightful chat about Threads vs Twitter, Musk vs Zuckerberg, Trump vs reality, Kat vs TikTok and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Pam Hemphill Jul 08, 2023

Former Trump supporter and "MAGA Granny" Pam Hemphill says she was "brainwashed", in a "cult" and eventually served two months in prison for her role inside the U.S. Capitol during the January 6th insurrection. She's now full of regret and remorse, and is passionately fighting against her former cult leader, his cohorts and minions, and their gaslighting and dangerous rhetoric. This is her fascinating story of how and why she joined the cult, what it was like inside, and how she eventually got the motivation and courage to leave. It's a rare window into the MAGA mind and a truly don't-miss conversation....

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Saverio "Mocha Joe" Guerra Jul 05, 2023

Saverio Guerra is an actor and writer best known for playing Mocha Joe on HBO's CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and Bob on the long-running Ted Danson CBS series BECKER He has appeared on many other television shows including Law & Order, Billions, The Goldbergs and The Detour. His film credits include SUMMER OF SAM, BAD BOYS, SLEEPERS and LUCK YOU.

Join us for this truly fun, hilarious chat about acting, growing up in Brooklyn, Larry David and so much more! Come for the CURB, stay for the Pacino impression!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Harry Sisson Jul 03, 2023

Harry Sisson is a 20 year old Gen Z activist. He started his work in politics at a local level by interning with his councilwoman and State Senator. He then began utilizing social media to help get young people out to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Since then, he’s amassed over 800,000 followers across all platforms, he’s worked with President Obama, the White House and more.

Young folks like Harry are the future. He's incredibly tough, smart, articulate, passionate and focused like a laser on what's wrong with the Republican Party and how Democrats can capitalize and win everything. Join us for this fun, insightful chat about today's wild political and judicial landscape.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ruth Ben-Ghiat Jul 01, 2023

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.

Join us for this truly fascinating, insightful conversation about Trump, Trumpism, Ron DeSantis and the chilling parallels between their demagoguery and hateful rhetoric and that of Hitler, Mussolini and other dictators past and present. How fascism and Neo-Nazism is on the rise domestically and abroad, and its impact on American politics and culture.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

David Corn Jun 28, 2023

David Corn is the Washington, D.C. bureau chief for Mother Jones Magazine, an MSNBC analyst and author of the best-selling book "American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy”.

Join us for this informative, insightful chat about Trump, Trumpism, the No Labels dark money group, right-wing extremism and more. He also shares his childhood inspirations and has a helluva funny Nixon encounter as a 13-year-old McGovern supporter!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Jimmy Gomez Jun 26, 2023

Congressman Jimmy Gomez represents California’s 34th Congressional District. He sits on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and serves as an Assistant Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Deputy Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He is also the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and Future Forum. Prior to his election to Congress in June of 2017, he served four and a half years in the California State Assembly where he served as Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Rep. Gomez's life and career is the embodiment of the American dream. Born and raised in Southern California, he is the proud son of working-class Mexican immigrants who went from being held back in the 3rd grade to earning his master's degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Rep. Gomez's journey from childhood through Congress is a truly fascinating, inspiring story. of overcoming social, cultural and economic challenges to achieve one's goals. He also shares his thoughts on Trump, Trumpism, the Republican-led House craziness, immigration, his incredible Dad's Caucus and more. I absolutely love this conversation, as it's such a positive reminder of how great our country can be.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rick Wilson Jun 20, 2023

The inimitable Rick Wilson's back in The Back Room! Rick's a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, co-founder of the political action committee The Lincoln Project and a two-time New York Times bestselling author.

It's always fun when Rick joins the conversation with his razor-sharp wit and wisdom! In this episode he shares his thoughts on Donald Trump's indictment, Judge Aileen Cannon and the challenges facing the Department of Justice and its Miami trial; the ongoing threat to America of Trump and Trumpism; President Joe Biden and Democrats; and the '24 presidential race. It's a chat you don't wanna miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jake Tapper Jun 17, 2023

Jake Tapper is the lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent for CNN. He is also an accomplished author who’s written two New York Times bestselling novels, The Hellfire Club and The Devil May Dance, as well as the bestselling nonfiction book The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor, which was turned into a critically acclaimed film in 2020. His latest novel, the thriller All the Demons Are Here, will be released July 11th.

It's a real treat to have Jake with us in The Back Room to celebrate our one-year anniversary! He shares his keen insights on Donald Trump, Trumpism and the 2024 presidential race; reflects back on his childhood aspirations (guess who he wanted to be when he grows up?); and takes us through his journalistic and creative-writing journeys. We also get an exciting preview of his page-turning new book, which has an overall story, various subplots and characters with so many fun, fascinating parallels to today's American political and media worlds. And of course, what would a convo with Jake Tapper be without discussing Taylor Swift?!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Peter Riegert Jun 15, 2023

Peter Riegert has been acting, writing, directing and producing for over 50 years. His films include: ANIMAL HOUSE, LOCAL HERO, CHILLY SCENES OF WINTER, CROSSING DELANCEY, TRAFFIC and THE MASK. His television credits include: SUCCESSION, THE SOPRANOS, DAMAGES, LAW AND ORDER SVU, THE GOOD WIFE, ONE TREE HILL, SHOW ME A HERO, UNBREAKABLE KIMMIE SCHMIDT and DISJOINTED.

Peter's directorial debut landed him an Academy Award nomination for the short film, BY COURIER. Peter then wrote, directed and starred in his first feature film, KING OF THE CORNER. On Broadway Peter starred in David Mamet’s THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD, AN AMERICAN DAUGHTER, THE NERD and DANCE WITH ME. His Off-Broadway credits include: SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO, THE BIRTHDAY PARTY, MOUNTAIN LANGUAGE, and ISN'T IT ROMANTIC.

Please join us for this super-fun, insightful chat about Peter's childhood and early inspirations; his big break landing ANIMAL HOUSE; a behind the scenes look at that film and why it became a cultural phenomenon and cult classic; his overall acting journey and working with legends like John Belushi, Donald Sutherland and Burt Lancaster; living in the Hudson Valley; and more. And, you might just get his thoughts on a certain twice-indicted/arrested former president!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Stephanie Grisham Jun 12, 2023

Stephanie Grisham is the New York Times bestselling author of “I’ll Take Your Questions Now, What I Saw in the Trump White House.” During the Trump Administration she served as White House press secretary and director of communications for both the President and First Lady, Melania Trump. She is the only person in history who has held three senior roles at once, while representing both the east and west wings.

Steph takes us on a fascinating peek inside the minds of Trump, Melania, Ivanka, Eric and Don Jr following the latest indictment of the former Thief-in-Chief. She also shares her keen, first-hand insights into the sycophantic loyalty to Trump that still exists in the Republican Party, and breaks down the pros and cons of the 2024 GOP candidates.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig; Joe Walsh Jun 10, 2023

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. Honig also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media.

Joe Walsh is a former Illinois Congressman, a former nationally syndicated far-right talk-radio host, 2020 Republican candidate for President, author, host of the White Flag with Joe Walsh podcast and is a frequent political commentator on CNN and MSNBC.

It’s a terrific two-fer in The Back Room! First up is Elie, who helps unpack the new Trump indictment, and then the inimitable Joe talks Trump, Trumpism, the Republican Party and 2024.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

J. Smith-Cameron Jun 05, 2023

J. Smith-Cameron is an Emmy and Tony-nominated stage, film, and television actress who most recently starred as “Gerri Kellman” on HBO’s SUCCESSION. She can be seen starring in the Peacock film THE YEAR BETWEEN, as well as the miniseries WACO: THE AFTERMATH on Showtime. Her film credits include VENGEANCE, 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD, HARRIET THE SPY, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME and MARGARET. On tv she’s had recurring roles on RECTIFY, TRUE BLOOD and DIVORCE and has appeared in countless others. Her Broadway credits include Lend Me a Tenor, Our Country’s Good, Night Must Fall and After the Night and the Music. Her extensive Off-Broadway work includes As Bees in Honey Drown, for which she won an Obie Award, Fuddy Meers, The Starry Messenger, Sorry, Juno and the Paycock and Peace for Mary Frances.

I LOVE this chat! J shares her journey from childhood through the season finale of SUCCESSION. It's a master class in acting and a truly fun-filled conversation with fascinating insights, funny anecdotes and inside tidbits from one of the most beloved, successful television shows of all-time.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Maxwell Frost Jun 03, 2023

Maxwell Alejandro Frost is the U.S representative for Florida's 10th congressional district. Elected in 2022 at the age of 25, he is the youngest and first Gen Z member of Congress. He sits on the powerful Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. As a young, Afro-Latino, he brings a fresh, progressive perspective to an institution formerly out of reach for young, working Black and Latino Americans. He’s previously held leadership roles at ACLU and March for Our Lives, and has made gun reform a top priority He is also focused on housing affordability, healthcare, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, transportation, justice reform, climate change and more.

Join us for this insightful conversation about life and politics, including his childhood, his early influences and activism, his decision at 25 to run for Congress, Trump and Trumpism, Biden's presidency, the debt ceiling, the Republican Party's intransigence, gun violence, immigration, the 2024 election, term limits and Israel. We also talk drums, music and his top 5 artists of all time! (Rumor has it we even chat about the current Taylor Swift tour!)

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Cruz Kayne May 31, 2023

Michael Cruz Kayne is a comedian, actor and writer based in NYC. He is a staff writer on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and is currently performing his one-man show, Sorry For Your Loss, at NYC's Minetta Lane Theater. His acting credits include HBO’s “The White House Plumbers” and “High Maintenance,” as well as Apple TV’s “Severance” and “Helpsters,” among others. Michael also hosts A Good Cry, a Signal Award-winning and Webby-nominated podcast about grief.

Michael shares his deeply personal, emotional journey following the 2009 death of his son Fisher just 34 days after he was born. It's a brutally honest, inspirational conversation about unfathomable loss; navigating through overwhelming grief; the concept of 'closure'; the cathartic benefits of humor; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

S.E. Cupp May 27, 2023

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's SE Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom.

Join us for this fun, insightful chat about the big DeSantis Twitter disaster; Trump and Trumpism; Tim Scott, Glenn Youngkin, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie and the 2024 election; the GOP culture wars; the future of the Republican Party; and...why S.E. has a huge photo of Al Gore and his kids on her wall!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dawn Porter May 25, 2023

Dawn Porter has emerged in the entertainment industry as a leader in the art of storytelling; directing and producing critically acclaimed films and series. A two-time Sundance film festival director, Porter’s work has been featured on HBO, Netflix, CNN, PBS, MSNBC, ESPN, Discovery, National Geographic and others. Porter’s latest film, "The Lady Bird Diaries," an all-archival documentary about Lady Bird Johnson will debut at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival. Her next project “Supreme,” is a four-part docuseries, exploring the history of the United States Supreme Court, the justices, decisions, and confirmation battles that have shaped America. Her prior films include "Gideon’s Army", "Bobby Kennedy For President", "John Lewis: Good Trouble" and "The Way I See It", about photojournalist and former Obama and Reagan chief White House photographer Pete Souza.

Join us for this truly fascinating conversation about Dawn’s successful journey from corporate entertainment lawyer to one of America’s most prominent documentary filmmakers. We also revisit her childhood, her early influences, sexism, racism and the state of the documentary film business today.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ben Smith May 23, 2023

Ben Smith is a journalist, author, and co-founder of the global news organization Semafor. He’s the former media columnist for the New York Times and founding editor-in-chief of the now-defunct BuzzFeed News. His book Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral has just been released.

Ben and I discuss the ever-changing news business and the role of digital journalism; the impact of social media on our culture and the political landscape; Donald Trump; the Durham Report; George Santos; as well as a little trip back in time to childhood, his early influences and what he does with his time when he's not working!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Olivia Nuzzi and Peter Strzok May 20, 2023

Olivia Nuzzi is New York Magazine’s Washington correspondent, covering the White House, presidential campaigns and political media, among other topics. She joined New York in 2017 as its first-ever Washington correspondent and reported on the Trump administration and 2020 election. She’s an award-winning journalist who contributes regularly to Intelligencer, the magazine’s news and politics vertical, in addition to writing features and columns for the magazine.

Olivia and I chat about a range of subjects including her childhood, early acting journey, and her early journalism experiences and influences; Donald Trump and Trumpism (and the stunningly appropriate comparison of him to Sunset Boulevard's Norman Desmond); the broken Republican Party; Rudy Giuliani; Ron DeSantis; Watergate, and her hosting gig on White House Plumbers, the companion podcast to the new HBO limited series. And maybe, just maybe, we also get some intel into her hobbies and non-writing passions! . But first up is Peter Strzok, former deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and the architect of the "Crossfire Hurricane" Russia probe, who's back in The Back Room for a quick assessment of the Durham Report which was released this week.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Erin Merryn May 16, 2023

Erin Merryn is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and child abuse advocate and activist. She earned her MSW from Aurora University. For six years of her childhood she was sexually abused, keeping her secret locked away in her childhood diary. Before graduating high school Erin published her diary into a book called Stolen Innocence. She has since published 4 more books. In 2013 in her home state of Illinois she succeeded in getting Erin’s Law passed, which requires personal body safety taught in public schools. It is currently in 38 states.

Since 2004, Erin has shared her story in over two hundred publications and appeared on Oprah, OWN, Today, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox, Katie Couric, Tamron Hall, and MSNBC among others. In 2015 she was featured in the documentary Breaking the Silence on TLC. Glamour magazine named Erin Woman of the Year and People magazine named her one of fifteen women changing the world

Erin is a truly remarkable woman on an incredibly important, inspiring journey. Her story is one of survival, perseverance and tremendous accomplishment.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rachel and Dr. Alexander Vindman May 14, 2023

Rachel Vindman is an Opinion Columnist at USA TODAY and a member of the USA Today Board of Contributors. She co-hosts the Suburban Women Problem podcast, and is an advisory board member for the Renew Democracy Initiative. She’s a prominent activist and plain-spoken political commentator on Twitter, where you can follow her @natsechobbyist.

Dr. Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who was most recently the director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Russia on the White House’s National Security Council. He previously served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as an attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia. He is the author of The New York Times bestselling memoir Here, Right Matters and also frequently appears on NPR, MSNBC and CNN.

Please join us for another fun, fascinating chat with these two awesome people that includes Ukraine/Russia, the gun-violence epidemic, Ron DeSantis and the GOP culture wars, "parental rage" and "parental rights", Donald Trump, the 2024 election and…Lizzo!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Molly & Dr. Grant Rubesh May 10, 2023

Molly Rubesh is the author of the children's grief book Is Heaven Farther Than the North Pole? Through the desire to nurture her young stepsons following the passing of their mother, as well as her own father’s death, Molly was inspired and moved to write the book to help children cope with grief at a level they could understand. The book is the beginning of what she hopes will be a series of books that address such challenging topics as divorce and addiction, as well as the loss of a pet or friend.

Please join Molly and I, and her husband Grant, for this deeply personal, emotional conversation about life, love and loss, especially when it involves young children experiencing the pain and grief following the death of a parent. How do we explain death? What do we say? How do we together navigate that loss and move forward with life? Can there ever be 'closure'? It's a very important, compelling chat about the universal subject of grief.

Molly's website is www.Mollyrubesh.com

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Peter Strzok May 08, 2023

Peter Strzok served in the FBI from 1996 to 2018, rising to the deputy of its Counterintelligence Division. During his career, he worked around the world against national security threats from China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and others, including countering state-sponsored disinformation, prosecuting acts of economic espionage and theft of intellectual property, and combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Prior to the FBI, he spent four years on active duty in the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He’s an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, is the NY Times bestselling author of Compromised: Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J Trump, and co-host of the Cleanup On Aisle 45 podcast.

Join us for this riveting conversation about Peter's role as the architect of the "Crossfire Hurricane" Russian-collusion investigation; his thoughts on Putin's manipulation of Trump and the possible dirt he has on him; the Muller investigation and former Attorney General Bill Barr's protection of Trump; Trump's role as mastermind of the January 6th insurrection, his overall corruption and mounting legal troubles; the continued impact of Trumpism and its racist foundation on our culture; the Proud Boys trial, seditious conspiracy and domestic terrorism; the Supreme Court ethics violations; 2024 and the existential threat of another Trump presidency; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Glenn Kirschner May 06, 2023

Glenn Kirschner is a former assistant U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. and is an NBC News and MSNBC legal analyst. He's tried hundreds of cases in his 30 years as a prosecutor, including more than 50 murder trials, multiple lengthy RICO trials and precedent-setting cases. He teaches criminal law at George Washington University and has a YouTube channel and podcast called "Justice Matters with Glenn Kirchner".

We happened to chat with Glenn amid breaking news as the verdicts were announced in the Proud Boys trial. In this real-time conversation Glenn dissects and explains the seditious conspiracy verdicts and potential sentences and the impact of these convictions on Donald Trump and the federal investigation into his role in the attempt to overturn the election and overthrow the government. Glenn also shares his thoughts on the overall effectiveness and timeliness, or lack thereof, of Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice; reflects back on the Mueller Report; weighs in on the tarnished Supreme Court and the Clarence Thomas ethics scandals; and discusses the Homicide Victims Families Rights Act, a 2022 law he helped draft and pass with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Taylor Lorenz May 03, 2023

Taylor Lorenz is an author and Washington Post columnist covering technology and online culture. Before joining The Post, she was a technology reporter for the New York Times' business section. She was also previously a technology reporter at the Atlantic and the Daily Beast. Her first book Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet, will be released this October and is now available for pre-order.

Taylor brings her extensive expertise and keen insights into our in-depth conversation about the internet and social media and their impact on society, which is the subject of her book; Elon Musk, Twitter and the alt sites Post, Mastodon and Bluesky; the future of Facebook and Instagram; TikTok and the potential ban; the increasing appeal of LinkedIn; the concerns over AI and ChatGPT; and she also takes us back to her childhood, early influences and artistic background. It's a thoroughly entertaining and interesting chat!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Robert F. Kennedy Jr May 01, 2023

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental attorney, writer, author, activist and 2024 presidential candidate. Join me for this fascinating, historical, brutally-honest and, at times, intense discussion.

Bobby and I discuss the impact on him of his father's assassination; how America and the world would be different had his dad and uncle, President John F. Kennedy, not been killed); his journey through addiction and self-destructive behavior; his early influences and personal heroes; his reflections on life as a 69-year-old; his thoughts on the British Royal Family and comparisons to the Kennedys as 'America's Royalty'; his newly announced presidential campaign and what his first 100 days would look like; and his controversial positions on vaccines, which have been uniformly refuted by the scientific and medical communities. It’s a convo you definitely don’t wanna miss.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Dan Goldman and Kat Abughazaleh Apr 29, 2023

Rep. Dan Goldman serves New York’s 10th Congressional District. In 2019, he served as lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Donald Trump for abusing his office for his personal interest regarding Ukraine. Prior to that, Goldman served for a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York.

Join us for this in-depth chat about the Congressman's reasons for entering politics; his first 100 days in office and the issues most important to him; his thoughts on Trump and Trumpism; the tarnished Supreme Court; Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene, George Santos and the House craziness; the debt ceiling showdown; racism, anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial; and his all-important Bagel Caucus and the success of Bagel Diplomacy!

But before that, Fox News watcher Kat Abughazaleh pops into The Back Room for a quick, fun chat about the awesome firing of Tucker Carlson!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

The Good Liars Apr 26, 2023

The Good Liars, Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, have cultivated a large audience with their unique brand of hilarious pranks and interviews. Their videos have garnered well over half a billion views. In their 2016 election comedy, Undecided: The Movie, they pranked every presidential candidate. The Wrap said Undecided “May be the funniest movie you haven’t seen yet.” They’ve filmed at major events including DC on January 6th, 2021, CPAC, The RNC, The Iowa Caucus, QAnon Conferences, The March for Life, Trump rallies and recently, the 2023 NRA Conference.

Jason, Davram and I had a lot of fun revisiting their childhood, their early comedy years together, their creative process, their favorite videos (and mine!) and whether JFK Jr. is in fact alive and an accountant living in Pittsburgh who drives his van to Trump rallies.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Katie Hill Apr 24, 2023

Katie Hill is a former Congresswoman from California’s 25th District. At 31, she was as one of the youngest members of the historic freshman class that flipped the House and served as the Vice Chair for the House Oversight and Reform Committee and on the powerful House Armed Services Committee. Prior, Katie worked as Executive Director of PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), the largest homeless services organization in California.

After resigning from Congress in 2019 over an admitted affair with a young female campaign staffer, and leaked nude photos, Katie founded the PAC Her Time, whose mission is to help elect women and young people -- the long-shot candidates who have the vision and drive needed to make lasting, systemic change in America. She is also the author of the 2020 book She Will Rise: Becoming a Warrior in the Battle for True Equality.

Katie opens up about her past, what the future holds for her and whether she'll run again, and what she thinks about the current political landscape.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elizabeth Holtzman Apr 22, 2023

Elizabeth Holtzman is an attorney, writer, author, tv commentator and former politician. She served for nearly three decades in government, including 20 years as an elected official. She was the youngest woman elected to Congress, a record she held for 42 years, and subsequently became the first woman elected Brooklyn DA and the first and only woman to be elected NYC Comptroller. During her four terms in Congress she captured national attention for her role on the House Judiciary Committee where she voted to impeach President Richard Nixon.

Liz is a champion of women’s rights, authoring many laws including extending the deadline for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, the Rape Privacy Act and, in exposing the U.S. government’s inaction on Nazi war criminals living in America, forced the Justice Department to create a special Nazi-hunting unit that won world-wide acclaim.

The issues that mattered deeply to Liz and first brought her to Congress 50 years ago are among the same critical issues challenging America today and have her as fired-up and engaged as ever. Join us for this spirited, insightful conversation about women's rights and the attack on abortion and reproductive rights; anti-Semitism, racism and ageism; the GOP culture wars; Trump and Trumpism; the impact of the Fox/Dominion settlement; Clarence Thomas and the tarnished Supreme Court; preserving our democracy; and a fascinating look back on Nixon and Watergate.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ken Burns Apr 18, 2023

Ken Burns has been making documentary films for over forty years. Since the Academy Award nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, he’s directed and produced some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made including The Civil War; Baseball; Jazz; The War; The National Parks: America’s Best Idea; Prohibition; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; Country Music; and, most recently, The U.S. and the Holocaust. His future film projects include The American Buffalo, Leonardo da Vinci, The American Revolution, Emancipation to Exodus, and LBJ & the Great Society, among others. Ken’s films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including sixteen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations.

Please join us for this in-depth, insightful and truly riveting conversation about Ken's childhood, the death of his mother at 11; his early inspirations; American history, racism, bigotry and the current political landscape; and how it's all intricately woven together into his overall thinking and decisions as a filmmaker.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kat "Abu" Abughazaleh Apr 15, 2023

Kat Abughazaleh is a senior video producer at Media Matters and a well-known 'Fox News Watcher'. She's a prominent social media personality who's become very popular through her Tik Tok videos and similar political content on Twitter. She regularly posts biting videos citing the dishonest, bizarre and often sexist, homophobic, racist behavior of Tucker Carlson and other Fox hosts as well as the network itself.

Please join us for a fun, funny, spirited chat about her childhood and family; her work with Media Matters and producing her own videos; Trump, the GOP, and its culture wars, and the current political landscape; the impact and importance of Gen Z voters; the "woke" debate"; and she answers the critical question, "Who is dumber, Sean Hannity or Brian Kilmeade?" Kat also reveals her favorite tv shows, her Top 5 musical artists, which musical instrument she plays and how she spends her free time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Andrew Yang Apr 11, 2023

Andrew Yang was a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and a 2021 candidate for mayor of New York City. Named by President Obama as a Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship, he is the founder of Humanity Forward. Venture for America, and the Forward Party. Yang’s New York Times bestselling book The War on Normal People helped introduce the idea of universal basic income into the political mainstream.

Join us for a spirited, no-holds-barred chat about Andrew's childhood, family life, his pre-politics legal and business career, his often erroneous public perception, his lightening-rod status, his run for the White House and NYC mayoral campaign, Trump and Trumpism, the current two-party primary system and the ongoing debate over whether his new Forward Party is helping or hurting America's fragile democracy.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Paul Begala Apr 08, 2023

Paul Begala is a CNN political commentator, consultant and NY Times best-selling author. Along with his partner James Carville, he was one of the masterminds behind Bill Clinton's winning presidential campaign in 1992 and later served as Counselor to the President, serving as one of President Clinton's closest aides, and coordinating policy, politics, and communications. In the 2012 campaign, Paul was a senior adviser for the pro-Obama Super PAC, making Begala one of the few people to play a critical role in electing two different presidents.

Paul is back in The Back Room sharing his inimitable wit and wisdom on a range of critical subjects including Trump, his mounting legal problems and the Republican Party's increasing and dangerous march towards authoritarianism; the '24 presidential race and his predictions for Ron "DeStuntis", Tim Scott, Pence and others; Lindsey Graham's unraveling; the "Tennessee Three" debacle; the big Wisconsin Supreme Court Democratic victory; racism; out-of-control gun violence; Hillary Clinton's support for Obama; and the huge accomplishment for President Biden of Finland joining NATO.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Griffin Dunne Apr 05, 2023

Griffin Dunne is an accomplished, award-winning and Oscar-nominated actor, director and producer. His feature film directorial debut was 1997's "Addicted to Love," starring Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick. In 2017 he directed and produced the acclaimed Netflix documentary “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold”, about his Aunt. His film credits include "Dallas Buyers Club”, "Last Night” and "Broken City” and he’s appeared on TV in “House of Lies”, “Red Band Society”, "I Love Dick", “This is Us” and others too many to mention. He will soon appear in a new HBO Max series called “The Girls on the Bus”.

Griffin take us back to his childhood and family life, the 1982 murder of his sister Dominique, grief and the concept of 'closure,' the importance of humor in his life, his early acting influences, his stellar carer in film and television, acting vs directing, gun violence, Donald Trump, living in Upstate New York's Hudson Valley and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Apr 03, 2023

Jasmine Crockett is an attorney, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and currently serving as the US Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District. Elected as a freshman last Fall, her district covers much of the city of Dallas and parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. She is a member of the House Oversight and Agriculture Committees.

Rep. Crockett discusses her decision to run for Congress, her early political inspirations, her role in the the recent Oversight Committee's 'bi-partisan' delegation to visit January 6th rioters in jail (she was one of two Democratic 'chaperones'), the chaos in the House, Donald Trump's indictment and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig Apr 01, 2023

Elie Honig is a CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the recently released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former federal and state prosecutor. From 2004 to 2012, he was an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New Yorkshire he successfully prosecuted over 100 members and associates of the Mafia, including bosses and other high-ranking members, on murder, racketeering, and other charges. In 2022, he was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial and Opinion. Honig also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media, teaches at Rutgers University, and is Special Counsel at a New Jersey law firm.

Join us for a very timely conversation as Elie unpacks and analyzes this week's Trump indictment by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. Elie explains what happens Tuesday when Trump is arraigned; what the actual charges against him might be; Michael Cohen and the strength of Bragg's case; Trump's possible defenses; the impact of these charges on the Georgia, J6 and Mar A Lago documents cases; and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Gretchen Carlson Mar 28, 2023

Gretchen Carlson is an acclaimed journalist, NY Times bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for women’s rights in the workplace. She went public in 2016 with harassment claims against then Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, paving the way for the #MeToo movement. Gretchen spent over 30 years as a journalist and has hosted the Saturday edition of CBS’s The Early Show, Fox & Friends and The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. She is co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit organization fighting to eradicate forced arbitration clauses and non-disclosure agreements in workplace contracts that keep toxic workplace issues silent.

Please join us for this extremely important conversation about Gretchen's dedication to helping create safe, welcoming and harassment-free environments in workplaces all across the world; her thoughts on Fox News; her childhood, mastering the violin and attending Julliard; her college years at Stanford, Oxford and competing in, and winning, the Miss America Beauty Pageant; her early broadcast political influences; Trump and today's political landscape; and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mary Trump Mar 25, 2023

Mary L Trump is a trained Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. She’s the author of two New York Times best-selling books… Too Much and Never Enough and The Reckoning. She is host of The Mary Trump Show podcast and is well-known as the niece and outspoken critic of former president Donald Trump.

It's always incredibly insightful, and a lot of fun, to chat with Mary because she's not only super-smart and super-funny but she brings a unique professional and personal perspective in discussing all things Trump including his 2024 campaign and his erratic, manic and dangerous behavior in reaction to his massive legal troubles.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Julianna Margulies Mar 23, 2023

Julianna Margulies is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award winner currently starring as Laura Peterson on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show. She previously starred as Alicia Florrick on the long-running hit CBS show The Good Wife, which she also produced, and was one of the original cast members of ER. More recently, Julianna’s starred on critically acclaimed series including Billions and The Hot Zone..and has added author to her list of credits with the recent release of her memoir, Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life. She’s been involved with Project ALS and Erin's Law and is also a board member of the New York City-based MCC Theater company.

Julianna joins me for an intimate, riveting, in-depth conversation about her dysfunctional, chaotic childhood; her early acting journey; her incredible work in television and film; Judaism, anti-Semitism and her Holocaust remembrance advocacy; her fight against child sexual-abuse; and her thoughts on Roe v Wade, politics and Trump. There's also a surprise reveal that her father wrote one of the most famous jingles in advertising history. This is a chat you don't want to miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michelle Williams Mar 21, 2023

Michelle Williams is one of Hollywood's most respected actors. Her latest film SHOWING UP will be released in theaters April 7th and is her fourth collaboration with writer-director Kelly Reichardt. Most recently she starred in Steven Spielberg’s THE FABELMANS for which she received her fifth Academy Award nomination as well as a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination.

Her other films include Marvel’s VENOM and the sequel, VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE; MANCHESTER BY THE SEA; MY WEEK WITH MARILYN; BLUE VALENTINE; BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; WENDY AND LUCY and a many other critically acclaimed, award-winning films. She’s won an Emmy for playing Gwen Verdon in FX’s “Fosse/Verdon.” And she’s also a Tony-nominated actor who made her Broadway debut in CABARET.

Please join Michelle and I for this in-depth, honest, emotional conversation about family, life, love, loss, grief and of course her incredible acting journey through film, television and theater.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Gary Gulman Mar 18, 2023

Actor and comedian Gary Gulman is one of America's most popular comics. A product or Massachusetts, Gary's currently on his "Born on 3rd Base Tour". His most recent stand-up special for HBO, “The Great Depresh,” is a universally acclaimed, tour de force look at mental illness, which is equal parts hilarious and inspiring. He was most recently seen co-starring with Amy Schumer in the hit Hulu comedy series, Life & Beth. His memoir, Misfit, will be published in September.

This rank's among my most favorite pod chats because it's a truly important one. Gary not only takes us back on a wicked funny ride through his impoverished Jewish childhood, his high-school and college years, his early comedy journey and what it means to be a "Masshole"...he's also brutally honest about his life-long struggle with depression and anxiety and how it's impacted his life, his relationships, his work, his sense of self and the message it sends to others who are suffering, and the help and inspiration it's given them.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Hilarie Burton Mar 14, 2023

Hilarie Burton is a film and television actor and producer, NY Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, farmer, activist, philanthropist, podcaster and host of AMC's It Couldn't Happen Here. A former host of MTV's Total Request Live, she portrayed Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill from 2003-2009, has appeared in several films including The Secret Life of Bees, Surprised By Love, Summer Villa and A Christmas Wish. She's also appeared in various television shows including White Collar, Grey's Anatomy, Extant, Lethal Weapon, Good Sam and The Walking Dead. Together with her husband actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hilarie owns Mischief Farm, MF Libations beverage company and are co-owners of Samuel's Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, NY with Paul and Julie Rudd and Andy Ostroy.

This is a truly don't-miss conversation as Hil takes us back to her conservative roots in Sterling, VA; her early inspiration for journalism and activism; her television program's focus on social/racial/criminal injustice; her strong, passionate views on religion, women's & LGBTQ rights, and abortion; her thoughts on Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Donald Trump; the political tribalism in America today; being outspoken on Twitter; her upcoming book Grimoire Girl; and her newfound role as head of her son Gus's middle-school PTA.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tim Miller Mar 11, 2023

Tim Miller is The Bulwark’s writer-at-large and the author of the best-selling book Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell. He was previously political director for Republican Voters Against Trump, communications director for Jeb Bush 2016, and spokesman for the Republican National Committee in 2012. He is an MSNBC political analyst and host of Not My Party on Snapchat. He has written about politics for Rolling Stone, The Ringer and Playboy. He’s also appeared on several episodes of Showtime’s The Circus.

Tim is super smart, insightful and funny and always a great guest! Join us for a fun, informative chat about the craziness of CPAC; the Rupert Murdoch/Tucker Carlson/Fox legal troubles; Trump and Trumpism; DeSantis and the 2024 presidential election; and his memorable moments with Sebastian Gorka and Kari Lake on last week's Showtime's The Circus!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Adam Frisch Mar 07, 2023

Adam Frisch is an entrepreneur, former banking executive and former City of Aspen Councilman who recently announced his bid to unseat extreme-MAGA Congresswoman Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 3rd House District. In the 2022 midterms he narrowly lost to Boebert by 546 votes. He currently runs a residential design and build firm and has been involved in the home-health care industry as well as the RV and Campground Park business. He has put his business on hold to focus on the 2024 campaign.

This is an extremely important race and so we're excited to have Adam in The Back Room discussing the issues and sharing his vision for Colorado and the nation. And, he also reveals his dream job. Hint: it has something to do with Bob Dylan!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Chris Stein Mar 04, 2023

Chris Stein is the co-founder, songwriter and guitarist of the iconic punk band Blondie. He is also an accomplished photographer, author of two photography books, with a third on the way, and a soon-to-be-published memoir.

Join us as Chris takes us on a fascinating journey through his storied life, music, photography and his thoughts on today's political landscape. It's a conversation you don't wanna miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Bob Gruen Feb 28, 2023

Such a thrill to have legendary rock and roll photographer Bob Gruen in The Back Room studio for a fascinating in-person, in-depth conversation about his illustrious seven-decade career photographing Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Smokey Robinson, Sonny & Cher, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Blondie, Debbie Harry, The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, The New York Dolls, The Clash, The Ramones, Kiss, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Peter Frampton, Elton John, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, The Beastie Boys, Green Day, The White Stripes, Sean Lennon, Maneskin and so many others.

You don't wanna miss this thoroughly engrossing chat as Bob takes us on a riveting ride back through his personal and professional life and shares incredible stories of meeting, hanging out with and becoming friends with the most celebrated artists of all time while capturing many of the most iconic, recognizable music photos ever including John Lennon's peace sign at the Statue of Liberty and wearing the white New York City t-shirt.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig Feb 25, 2023

Elie Honig is a CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former federal and state prosecutor. From 2004 to 2012, he was an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New Yorkshire he successfully prosecuted over 100 members and associates of the Mafia, including bosses and other high-ranking members, on murder, racketeering, and other charges. In 2022, he was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial and Opinion. Honig also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media, teaches at Rutgers University, and is Special Counsel at a New Jersey law firm.

Join us for an hour of Elie's keen insights into Donald Trump's legal troubles; Attorney General Merrick Garland's performance; how in 2012 Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner escaped fraud prosecution; the current controversy involving Georgia J6 Special Grand Jury forewoman Emily Kohrs; the Mike Pence subpoena battle; his years prosecuting the Mafia; and his new book, which analyzes how the wealthy, powerful and connected 'get away with it' and end up above the law. You'll also learn why he doesn't have pets, which musical artists comprise his all-time Top 5, and what this Jersey Boy has to say about the "Springsteen poser!"

Elie's a super-smart, funny, engaging guy and you're gonna love this chat!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci Feb 22, 2023

Anthony “The Mooch” 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 also an author, he just launched the OPEN BOOK podcast and is best known for the 11 roller-coaster days he served in the Trump White House as Communications Director.

Mooch never fails to be an open, genuine, self-deprecating and very compelling conversationalist. We chat about the emotional toll on him and his family of his time on the Trump crazy train; mental health and depression; accountability; regret and redemption; Trumpism; racism; his prediction for a Trump indictment; Nikki Haley; the Republican threat to Democracy; the new podcast and his love of the NY Mets.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Fred Guttenberg Feb 18, 2023

Fred Guttenberg is a leading gun reform and political advocate and father of 14-year-old Jaime, who was murdered in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass-shooting in Parkland, Fla., in which 16 other students and teachers were killed. He is the founder of the non-profit Orange Ribbons For Jaime and author of the books Find The Helpers and American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence.

My friend Fred is a relentless warrior and American hero who despite the odds and through years of personal pain and grief has successfully battled the powerful gun lobby, NRA and lawmakers to help pass historic gun-safety legislation. He is a true inspiration.

Please join us for this very important, deeply emotional conversation as Fred shares his feelings on the recent 5th anniversary of Jaime's murder; the proliferation of deadly mass-shootings; his new book which shatters the myths about guns and gun violence; and what the future holds for him and his family as they struggle to find the healthy balance between moving forward with life, continuing to honor Jaime and what she stood for, and the ongoing fight for gun reform.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Matt Friend Feb 16, 2023

Matt Friend is an incredibly talented comedian and impressionist headlining and appearing at clubs across the country. His television and radio appearances include The Howard Stern Show, the Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC's New York Live TV, Good Day LA and Good Day NY. He's also recently voiced characters on The Simpsons and Family Guy.

This is Matt's second trip to The Back Room...and he's with us for almost an hour! Don't miss this marathon of hilarious political and celebrity impressions including his amazing Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Ron DeSantis, Chuck Grassley, Mitch McConnell, Tucker Carlson, Chuck Schumer, Al Franken, Michael Cohen, Howard Stern, Patrick Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Harry Styles! Plus, a killer Sarah Huckabee Sanders!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18) Feb 14, 2023

Pat Ryan is the Democratic Representative serving New York's 18th congressional district. He's a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Prior to his election last Fall he served as the representative for New York's 19th congressional district after winning a special election in 2022. He previously served as the county executive of Ulster County, NY. Pat is a West Point graduate and former Army Captain and combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq and earned two Bronze Stars.

Join us as we unpack critical issues of geopolitical, national and New York significance including national security, relations with China, President Biden's and Democrats' leadership and legislative successes, the GOP House chaos, George Santos, toxic partisanship, the SALT Caucus fight to fully preserve the state and local tax deduction, the Central Hudson billing fiasco and New York's new status as a congressional battleground state.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Reed Galen Feb 11, 2023

Reed Galen is a co-founder of The Lincoln Project and host of The Lincoln Project Podcast. Join us as Reed shares his childhood/family involvement in politics and his early political inspirations, as well as his thoughts on everything from Trump and Trumpism to Kevin McCarthy and the House chaos, George Santos, Biden's State of the Union address, the '24 presidential race and third-party candidates, and his new media venture, Resolute Square, which he launched with other Lincoln Project key players Rick Wilson and Stuart Stevens as well as Democratic strategist Joe Trippi.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rick Wilson Feb 07, 2023

Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, co-founder of the political action committee the Lincoln Project and the media company Resolute Square, a 2x New York Times best-selling author and host of The Enemies List podcast.

The always insightful, hilarious and inimitable wordsmith Rick shares his wit and wisdom on a range of subjects in the news including Trump and Trumpism, Kevin McCarthy and the GOP House chaos, George Santos, the 2024 campaign and whether Marjorie Taylor Greene's Jewish Space Lasers are an effective Balloon Defense System!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep.Ted Lieu Feb 04, 2023

Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36) is serving in his fifth term in Congress and currently sits on the House Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Science, Space, and Technology Committees. He was also elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, making him the highest ranking Asian American to have ever served in House Leadership. He is a veteran, having served on active duty and then in the Reserve for the Air Force. He retired from the Reserve in 2021 with the rank of Colonel.

Join us as Ted shares his family and childhood background, his early political aspirations and his thoughts and concerns about the Bill Barr/Durham/Russia-Trump inquiry, AI and super-computing, Trump, Trumpism, the GOP House chaos and the 2024 election.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Shannon Watts Jan 31, 2023

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots group fighting against gun violence. With 10-million supporters and a chapter in every state, Moms Demand Action and its partner, Everytown for Gun Safety, have stopped the NRA's priority legislation and passed hundreds of gun safety laws across the country, most notably the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety bill in 26 years. Shannon is also an active board member of Emerge America, which recruits and trains women to run for office, and Advance Peace, a community-based organization that works to end cyclical and retaliatory gun-violence in American urban neighborhoods. She was named one of Glamour’s 2022 Women of the Year and her book, Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World, was released in May of 2019.

Please join us for an incredibly important conversation about America's gun epidemic, the the recent spate of deadly mass-shootings and the continued fight for gun-reform legislation.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kara Swisher Jan 28, 2023

Kara Swisher is host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast. She’s also editor-at-large of New York Magazine…and the former host of the Sway and Recode Decode podcasts and the co-founder of the technology website, Recode. Kara has been reporting on the tech industry since the early 1990s. Once called “Silicon Valley's most feared but revered journalist," she’s established herself as the oracle of the tech world with unrivaled access to the industry's most significant leaders.

Fans of Kara, as well as those just getting to know her, will really love this conversation. It's about more than just the usual suspects like Elon Musk, Twitter and tech. We learn so much about Kara herself...from the impact of losing her father at the age of 5 to her love of Air-fryers, Yellowstone, Johnny Cash and the Frozen soundtrack. And why her Instapot yells "fuck you" to her!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Aaron Rupar Jan 24, 2023

Aaron Rupar is an independent journalist and the publisher of the Public Notice newsletter covering US politics and media. He previously worked at Vox, where he covered Trumpism and the Trump administration. Most recently he was notably involved in a controversial dust-up with Twitter’s 'Chief Twit' Elon Musk, who ‘temporarily’ permanently suspended him last month before lifting the suspension after much public outcry and a truly bizarre online poll.

Join us for a fascinating chat as Aaron gives us the skinny on what went down with Musk; his overall take on Twitter; and his thoughts on a range of political subjects including Trump, Kevin McCarthy, George Santos and the House drama, and the Biden/Trump mishandled classified documents scandals. You'll also learn whether those mop-topped lads from Liverpool made into Aaron's Top 5! of all time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Joe Walsh Jan 21, 2023

Joe Walsh is a former Tea Party Congressman from Illinois and a former nationally syndicated far-right talk-radio host who ran for President in 2020 against Donald Trump. He's the author of the 2020 book "F-ck Silence: Calling Trump Out for the Cultish, Moronic, Authoritarian Con Man He Is" and is host of the podcast, "White Flag With Joe Walsh". He is Chairman of non-partisan "Center Street PAC", a board member of bi-partisan gun safety group "97Percent" and is a frequent commentator on CNN and MSNBC.

But most notably, Joe was a lifelong Republican who left the party three years ago, became an independent and is one of the most outspoken conservative critics of Trump, Trumpism and the dangers of the MAGA cult.

I love talking with Joe. We disagree on many political and social issues, but he's a straight-shooting right-winger who's chosen to be on the right side of history. Take a listen to our truly insightful, brutally honest, fun, funny chat. You'll be glad you did!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Matthew Dowd Jan 14, 2023

Matthew Dowd is a political commentator and strategist, NY Times best-selling author and media analyst. He was chief strategist for President George Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 2021 he made his own run for office running as a democrat for Texas Lt. Governor. He recently joined MSNBC and prior to that was Chief Political Analyst for ABC News. His latest book is Revelations on the River: Being a Prophet for Your Own Path.

Matthew shares his astute insights into Donald Trump, the Republican Party, Kevin McCarthy and the current House drama, the classified documents scandals, George Santos and more. He also takes us back in time to his early political inspirations, his role as chief strategist for President George W. Bush's 2004 re-election campaign and also explains their public falling out by 2007. And, you'll get his Super Bowl prediction!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Cohen Jan 10, 2023

Michael Cohen is host of the Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen podcast and is a two-time New York Times best-selling author. His current book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X. And he’s most notable for having served for many years as Donald Trump’s personal attorney and also as an executive in the Trump Organization.

Strap yourself in for a wild ride as we've got a very unplugged, unfiltered, unabashed and indignant Michael in his most unique, revealing interview yet. Trust me, you don't wanna miss this chat! You'll love the fascinating, candid, funny AF insights into his childhood, career, past legal troubles, prison, Trump, the Trump kids (including Tiffany and Barron), Trumpism, Bill Barr and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

S.E. Cupp Jan 08, 2023

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom. She has been a contributor to TheBlaze's Real News and contributing editor for Townhall Magazine.

We're thrilled to have S.E. in The Back Room for an engaging, insightful and brutally-honest in-depth chat about life, religion, mental health, politics, music and more.

And as always, we talk dogs, cats and music too! Find out if that little band from Liverpool, The Beatles, made it into S.E.'s Top 5 of all-time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Congressman Steve Israel Dec 31, 2022

Steve Israel was an 8-term Democratic Congressman from Long Island, NY, representing District 2 until the 2012 election when he was redistricted into the 3rd District, the seat won in November '22 by Republican scandal-plagued pathological-liar George Santos. He spent four years as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee before retiring in 2017. He currently serves as Director of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs; and is an author and commentator who can be seen on CNN and MSNBC and whose writing has appeared in the NY Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic.

Check out this timely, insightful, in-depth conversation about the Santos shit-storm and the right-wing extremist culture responsible for creating and enabling it. We also discuss Trump, Kevin McCarthy and the House drama, Mike Pence, Liz Cheney and the '24 election. And, Steve tells us about Theodore's Books, the awesome independent bookshop in Oyster Bay which he opened in 2021!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Cheryl Hines Dec 24, 2022

We're thrilled to have Emmy Award-nominated actress, director and producer Cheryl Hines in The Back Room! Best known for her role as “Cheryl David” on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, she can also be seen in Season 2 of the critically-acclaimed HBO Max series The Flight Attendant. Other television credits include Suburgatory, Son of Zorn and 3Below: Tales of Arcadia. She's directed many TV series and also produced School Pride, Hollywood Residential and the award-winning series Campus Ladies. She's starred in several films including A Bad Moms Christmas, RV, Wilson and Waitress, and directed the Andy Ostroy-produced feature film Serious Moonlight, written by Andy's late wife Adrienne Shelly and starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton.

Don't miss this truly entertaining chat with one of the funniest, nicest humans on the planet as she explains her journey from her early acting days in Florida to becoming one of the most talented and loved performers in Hollywood.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jennifer Palmieri Dec 17, 2022

Jennifer Palmieri is a co-host of Showtime’s “The Circus” and the author of the #1 NY Times bestselling book Dear Madam President and also She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World. She’s a leading political and communications strategist who's served as national press secretary for the Democratic Party, White House deputy press secretary for President Bill Clinton, national press secretary for the 2004 John Edwards presidential campaign, President Obama’s White House communications director and head of communications for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Jennifer shares her early political influences and inspiration growing up in Mississippi, her thoughts on Hillary's 2016 campaign, Kevin McCarthy and the House drama, the "broken" GOP, Trump, Trumpism, Democrats/Biden, DeSantis and the race for '24. She also reveals whether she's a cat or dog person and the musical artists who comprise her all-time Top 5!

It's a truly fun, insightful chat you don't want to miss!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Cenk Uygur Dec 10, 2022

Cenk Uygur is the host and founder of online progressive news and commentary show The Young Turks and is CEO of TYT Network, which cites a global audience of more than 500-million monthly views per month and 21-billion total video views. he launched The Young Turks as a talk show on Sirius Satellite Radio in 2002 and started uploading videos on YouTube in 2005. Prior, he was the host of The Young Turks on Current TV, hosted MSNBC Live and has appeared on CNN, ABC News’ This Week with George Stephanopoulos, NPR, Headline News, Fox News and others. He is also the co-founder the Justice Democrats PAC.

Join Cenk and I as we dive into his childhood and his shift from Republican to progressive Democrat and discuss a range of hot-button political subjects including Trump, the Midterms, DeSantis and 2024, the Georgia Runoff, Kyrsten Sinema, Biden and Democratic messaging, Republican extremism, populism vs centrism and the lingering 2016 Bernie v Hillary debate.

And as always, you'll learn whether Cenk's a cat or dog person and which musical artists comprise his all-time Top 5!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

James Carville Dec 03, 2022

James “The Ragin’ Cajun” Carville is America’s best-known political consultant with a knack for steering overlooked campaigns into unexpected landslide victories and for re-making political underdogs into upset winners. He most notably helped steer Bill "The Comeback Kid" Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign to victory. More recently he’s been focusing his strategic-thinking on international campaigns in more than 23 countries around the globe. He’s an 8-time NY Times best-selling author, actor, podcaster and public speaker whose latest book We’re Still Right, They’re Still Wrong released in 2016.

The inimitable James shares his entertaining and brutally-honest insights on a range of personal and political subjects including cats and dogs, his childhood, marriage, the '92 Clinton campaign, the midterms, Trump, Trumpism, Democrats, Republicans, 2024, his beloved New Orleans Saints and his Top 5 musical artists of all-time! You don't wanna miss this episode!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tim Miller Nov 26, 2022

Tim Miller is The Bulwark’s writer-at-large and the author of the best-selling book Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell. He was previously political director for Republican Voters Against Trump, communications director for Jeb Bush 2016, and spokesman for the Republican National Committee in 2012. He is an MSNBC political analyst and host of Not My Party on Snapchat. He's written about politics for Rolling Stone, The Ringer and Playboy and has appeared as a guest host in multiple episodes of this season's The Circus on Showtime.

Check out our Thanksgiving episode! It's an insightful, entertaining chat filled with lots of laughs and a bunch of really serious shit too. Matty, Jen and I (3 Jews!) debate Dave Chappelle's controversial SNL monologue and discuss our fav/least fav holiday food and Tim opens up about his past life as a gay Republican (he's still gay!) reveals the story behind his pearls, shares his thoughts on Trump, Trumpism, the midterms, immigration/xenophobia, GOP hypocrisy, Ron DeSantis & the 2024 election, his epic Steve Bannon interview on Showtime's The Circus and gives the funniest answer yet to the question "Are you a dog or a cat person?!" And, he hilariously reveals not just his Top 5 Musical artists of all time but, in a Back Room first, his bottom 5 as well!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Molly Jong Fast Nov 19, 2022

The daughter of legendary author and social critic Erica Jong, Molly Jong-Fast is a special contributor to Vanity Fair and the host of the Fast Politics podcast. Join us for a fun, funny, insightful and frank conversation about a range of subjects including childhood family dysfunction, rehab, life with teenagers, Trump, Trumpism, the midterms, Nancy Pelosi, Marjorie Taylor Greene, anti-Semitism and Elon Musk and the crisis at Twitter.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Chris Matthews Nov 12, 2022

Chris Matthews is an award-winning journalist, columnist, author, political commentator, television host and professor. His 15 years in politics and government includes serving as speechwriter for president Jimmy Carter and administrative assistant to House Speaker Tip O’Neil. He was a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle; syndicated columnist and Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Examiner; and host of MSNBC’s Hardball. His books include Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero and his 2021 memoir This Country: My Life in Politics and History.

Join us for a lively, insightful, thought-provoking chat about the midterms, Trump and Trumpism, DeSantis, Biden, the Democratic and Republican Parties, the overall political landscape and the 2024 outlook. Chris also shares whether he's a cat or dog person and offers his Top 5 musical artists of all-time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mary Trump Nov 05, 2022

Mary L Trump is a trained Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. She also has a Master’s degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. As an adjunct professor at Adelphi University, she taught graduate level courses in developmental psychology, psychopathology, and trauma.

In 2017 Mary provided over 40,000 pages of documents to The New York Times, becoming a source for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning article written by Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner. She is the author of two New York Times best-selling books. The first, Too Much and Never Enough, published in July 2020, sold a million copies on its first day of publication. Her second book, The Reckoning, was published in August 2021.

Join us for a fun, fascinating and brutally honest chat about her life; her Uncle Donald, her cousins Ivanka, Eric and Don Jr and her grandparents Fred Sr and Mary Anne; her dysfunctional childhood; the current political landscape; the midterms; Trumpism; racism; and the future of American democracy. You'll also learn whether she's a cat or dog person, and hear her Top 5 musical artists of all-time!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Stuart Stevens; Rep. Pat Ryan Oct 29, 2022

Stuart Stevens is a Senior Advisor to the Lincoln Project. For twenty-five years he was the lead strategist and media consultant for some of the nation's toughest political campaigns including the presidential bids of Bob Dole, George W. Bush and Mitt Romney.

He is the author of eight books, including the New York Times bestseller It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump (2020). His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Esquire and Outside, among other publications. He has written extensively for television shows, including Northern Exposure, Commander in Chief, and K Street.

Join us for fascinating, in-depth political chat with Stuart about Trump, Trumpism, Democrats & Republicans, the midterms & the existential threat to our democracy. And, a brief campaign update from NY-18 candidate Rep. Pat Ryan.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Fanone Oct 22, 2022

Michael Fanone served as a DC Metropolitan Police Department Officer for twenty years. He spent the majority of his career as a vice cop, participating in over 2,000 arrests for violent crimes and narcotics trafficking. He served as a special task force officer for the FBI, ATF, and DEA and has earned over three dozen commendations for his work.

But Michael's best known as one of the many law enforcement heroes who nearly lost his life defending our Congresspeople, Capitol and democracy during the insurrection of January 6, 2021. He’s the author of the new book, “Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul”. He currently serves as an analyst for CNN, a security consultant and a firearms instructor.

Hear Michael's personal story as never told before.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Soledad O'Brien Oct 15, 2022

Soledad O’Brien is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a multi-platform media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. She anchors and produces the Hearst TV political magazine program "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien" and is a correspondent for HBO Real Sports.

Soledad's documentaries have appeared on HBO, Discovery Plus, Peacock, BET, PBS and elsewhere. She has over 1.3-million followers on Twitter, where she’s a frequent critic of the mainstream media. Her Op-Eds have appeared in the New York Times and Huffington Post. She's anchored shows on CNN, MSNBC and NBC, and reported specials for Fox, BET, A&E and others. She's won three Emmy awards, two George Foster Peabody Awards, three Gracie Awards, two Cine Awards and an Alfred I. DuPont Award. Her most recent series, “Black and Missing” available on HBO, won an Independent Spirit Award.

Join us for a truly entertaining, insightful, thought-provoking chat on subjects including family, the media, politics, the fate of our democracy and the October 19 Peacock release of the documentary "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks", on which she serves as Executive Producer.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman & Rachel Vindman Oct 08, 2022

Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who most recently served on the National Security Council. He was thrust into the national spotlight in October 2019 when he testified before Congress during former president Donald Trump's first impeachment hearing. He is the author of the book "Here, Right Matters: An American Story".

Rachel Vindman is an opinion columnist at USA TODAY and a member of the USA Today Board of Contributors. She's an activist and political commentator and also co-hosts the Suburban Women Problem podcast.

Join me and this smart, fascinating, funny, charming dynamic power-couple as we talk about life, love, family, the Republican Party, Trump, Biden, Putin, Russia, Ukraine, Curb Your Enthusiasm/Larry David, Harry Styles and more!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Matt Friend Oct 01, 2022

Join us this week for an incredibly entertaining chat with the very talented, very funny comedian and impressionist Matt Friend! Matt, just 24-years-old, is an indisputable comedy sensation, having launched like a rocket from social media apps TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter where he's built a loyal following that'll soon reach 1-million fans.

In addition to his transcendent Donald Trump impression, Matt has an impressive repertoire of 250 flawless political and celebrity impressions including Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Ron DeSantis, Barack Obama, Gavin Newsom, Bernie Sanders, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Howard Stern, Liev Schreiber, Rami Malek, Jennifer Coolidge, Timothee Chalamet, Sebastian Maniscalco, John Oliver, Paul Giamatti, Andy Cohen, Johnny Carson and Jeff Goldblum. And he does a ton of them in this week's episode!

Matt's appeared everywhere from The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live to Good Day LA. He performs stand-up across the country and will be headlining November 10 at The Stand as part of the 2022 New York Comedy Festival. And he'll be voicing the role of Baby Goldblum on an upcoming episode of The Simpsons.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Radio Free Rhinecliff and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Finneas Sep 24, 2022

Finneas is a singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. His sister is Billie Eilish, with whom he co-writes, produces and collaborates. Their 2020 theme song "No Time to Die" for the James Bond film of the same name is a Grammy, Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Academy Award winner for best film song. Overall he's won eight Grammys and received 13 nominations.

Join us for a truly fun chat about his childhood musical journey, the songwriting process, his passion for women's rights, gun reform and climate and his thoughts about Twitter.

And, you'll also find out whether he's a dog or cat person, who his top 5 comedians are and what he secretly wishes he could do all day long...

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Radio Free Rhinecliff and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rick Wilson Sep 17, 2022

Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator and co-founder of the political action committee the Lincoln Project. He’s the author of two New York Times bestsellers, writes for The Washington Post, Politico, Rolling Stone, The Hill, The Bulwark and the London Spectator and frequently appears on CNN, MSNBC, NPR and HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher.

The inimitable, irrepressible former Republican heats up The Back Room with his brutally honest, penetrating insights and razor-sharp witticisms on Trump, Trumpism, the GOP, the midterms, the existential threat to democracy and his personal journey in choosing country over party.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Radio Free Rhinecliff and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Stephanie Grisham Sep 10, 2022

Join us this week in The Back Room for a brutally honest, insightful, lively chat with Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House Press Secretary and Communications Director for both the former president and First Lady. She also served as Melania's Chief of Staff.

Through genuine contrition and a true desire to prevent the Trump era's ugly history from repeating itself, Stephanie pulls no punches in sharing her thoughts and experiences working in the most unethical, corrupt, treasonous, batshit crazy administration in American history and what needs to happen going forward.

We also learn the truth about my awesome viral moment five years ago when Melania "liked" my tweet which mocked her husband and their troubled marriage!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Ro Khanna Sep 03, 2022

Join us this week in The Back Room for an insightful conversation with California Congressman Ro Khann, currently serving his third term representing District 17 in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Rep. Khanna shares his views on a range of critical subjects including America's biggest socio-economic challenges, President Biden. Trump and Trumpism, the midterms, the 2024 election, climate and whether he’s a dog or cat person…

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony Scaramucci Aug 27, 2022

Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci is founder and managing partner of global investment firm SkyBridge and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio...but he's best known for his roller-coaster 11 days as former President Donald Trump's Communications Director in 2017.

Join us for a brutally honest, insightful, behind-the-scenes look into The Mooch's life, career, major successes and mishaps, his wild days in the White House, his thoughts on Trump and the Republican Party today, his economic outlook and crypto crusade.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Judd Apatow Aug 20, 2022

Judd Apatow has directed, produced and written many of the most iconic films and hit TV shows over the last couple of decades.

The film's he's directed include THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, KNOCKED UP, THIS IS 40 and the current HBO documentary GEORGE CARLIN'S AMERICAN DREAM. The movies he's produced include ANCHORMAN, THE BIG SICK, BRIDESMAIDS, SUPERBAD, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. His notable television work includes GIRLS, FREAKS AND GEEKS, THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW, THE BEN STILLER SHOW and CRASHING.

Join us for a fun, insightful chat about Judd's life, his career and, yes, politics!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Pat Ryan Aug 13, 2022

Join us for a very important conversation with New York Congressional candidate Pat Ryan in one of the most closely-watched bellwether races in the country.

Pat’s running in the August 23rd Democratic primary to fill the remaining four months of the District 19 seat formerly held by Lt Gov Antonio Delgado. He’s a West Point graduate, former Army Captain, entrepreneur and Ulster County Executive. He served two tours in Iraq and earned two Bronze Stars.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Nikki Fried Aug 06, 2022

Join us for an important, insightful conversation with Florida Secretary of Agriculture and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, who's fighting to ultimately unseat fascist-dictator-wannabe Gov. Ron DeSantis. She faces Charlie Crist in their August 23rd primary.

Nikki explains why she's best suited to lead the Sunshine State through it's current, economic, housing, healthcare, insurance, crime, gun reform, abortion challenges and more and, more so, why it's time for the state's first-ever woman governor.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Katie Couric Jul 30, 2022

Katie Couric is an award-winning journalist, author, documentarian, television host, podcaster, newsletter publisher and founder of Katie Couric media.

Following the death of her husband Jay Monahan from colon cancer in 1998, Katie co-founded Stand Up to.Cancer and has received numerous awards for her cancer advocacy work.

Join Katie and I for a truly insightful chat about life, love, loss, work, today’s political landscape and a look back on her sensational and revealing 2008 interview with Sarah Palin.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

The J6 Hearings Season 1 Finale! Jul 24, 2022

A special bonus episode dedicated to the chilling revelations...and the comic relief...of the January 6th Committee's Thursday night hearing. This was the 8th and final hearing before their August break and return in September.

Join us as we break down the key takeaways of the session, including the hilarious (and somewhat terrifying?) outtakes from Trump's January 7th video message. Who knew the word "Yesterday" could be so challenging?!

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Paul Begala Jul 23, 2022

A lively, insightful chat with the always astute & entertaining Paul Begala...renowned political consultant, author, teacher, CNN commentator and one of the chief architects of Bill Clinton's 1992 winning presidential campaign. We discuss the January 6th hearings, the November midterms, Trump, Democrats and Republicans, gun reform....and....we go back in time to chat about what it was like being an integral part of the Clinton campaign and administration.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Fred Guttenberg Jul 16, 2022

This week’s episode has very special meaning to me, as it’s a deeply personal, heartfelt conversation with an incredible man who’s been to hell and back and is harnessing his grief, anger, emotion and passion into helping others.

I am in awe of Fred Guttenberg…gun reform and political advocate and father of Jaime, who at 14-years-old was murdered in the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School mass-shooting in Parkland, Fla., in which 16 other students and teachers were killed. Fred is also founder of Orange Ribbons For Jaime (orangeribbonsforjaime.org) and author of the book “Find The Helpers”.

Fred shares his memories of Jaime, his pain and what drives him in his quest to achieve major gun-reform legislation.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Spencer Schneider; Jill Schlesinger Jul 09, 2022

A fascinating chat with attorney and author Spencer Schneider, who discusses his new book "Manhattan Cult Story", detailing his 23 years in a secret NYC cult through which every aspect of his life was controlled. We explore how he got in, what it was like inside and what eventually led to his exit.

Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst & Host of Jill On Money, also joins us for a truly insightful conversation about the direction of the economy, recession fears, the stock market, crypto and more.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Annie Sundberg; Hilarie Burton Jul 02, 2022

A discussion of the short and long-term ramifications of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs Wade with filmmaker Annie Sundberg, co-director/producer of the 2018 Netflix Original documentary "Reversing Roe".

We also chat with actor, producer, tv host, author and entrepreneur Hilarie Burton about her personal infertility and abortion experience.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Eric Swalwell Jun 25, 2022

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) joins us in The Back Room for a lively, in-depth chat about the January 6th hearings, his Trump lawsuit, the midterms, the Republican Party, gun reform and his top five musical artists (you may be surprised.)

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

Paul Rudd Jun 18, 2022

Thrilled to welcome into The Back Room the awesome Paul Rudd, who joined us for a fun, insightful 50-minute chat about a broad range of topics ranging from the Washington political scene, Hollywood and films and life in New York's Hudson Valley.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel

A weekly unscripted, humorous, honest take on politics and pop culture Jun 13, 2022

The Backroom with Andy Ostroy offers an unscripted, humorous no-holds-barred take on politics and pop culture along with interviews with smart, funny and engaging politicians, celebrities, entertainers, journalists, media personalities, businesspeople/entrepreneurs and other prominent folks. Each week we’ll dissect the unprecedented madness in the world and try to make sense of it all.

Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy

Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud

Music by Andrew Hollander

Design by Cricket Lengyel