The Big Ben Show

Latest Episodes:

BONUS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Plan For The Migrant Crisis Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

On this bonus episode, Ben is joined by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott who addresses his controversial and unorthodox plan to handle the Biden Administration's plan to lift COVID-era border restrictions.

Governor Abbott explains why the move is necessary, as well as his other plans to address a border crisis he says much of the country is unprepared for.

Later, Ben gives background on the history of trouble at the border, as well as why the cartel poses a threat to the stability of the Texas-Mexico region.

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Russia, China & The Biden Foreign Policy Agenda Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

On this episode, Ben sits down with Retired Four-Star General and FOX News Senior Strategic Analyst General Jack Keane who gives historical background to the Russian war on Ukraine. Plus, an analysis of why he believes the Ukrainians have given the Russians fierce resistance despite initial intelligence reports saying that major cities would fall in just days.

Then, Historian and Senior Fellow at The Hoover Institution, Victor Davis Hanson explains what he believes President Putin's ultimate goals are, and why he believes the Biden Administration's foreign policy agenda has pushed Russia and China closer together.

Later, Ben pivots from wars fought with weapons, to culture wars at home, and gives his analysis of some of the disturbing comments by Disney executives in a Zoom meeting.

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Nancy Rommelmann & The Fog Of War Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

This week, Ben sits down with journalist and founder of Paloma Media, Nancy Rommelmann, to discuss her on the ground reporting inside the war zone in Ukraine. Nancy gives her first-hand insight into how the war is going, and what message Ukrainians have for those who have helped in the war effort.

Later, Ben switches gears with author and Wall Street Journal columnist, Jason Riley, to discuss race and politics during the Biden era, covering everything from Critical Race Theory to his latest book, The Black Boom.

Then, Ben discusses what lessons can be drawn from the recent events in Ukraine.

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Planning Their Next Move: Sen. Rick Scott & Michele Tafoya Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

This week Ben has two very different conversations with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and former NFL sideline reporter and co-chair for the campaign for Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls, Michele Tafoya.

Senator Scott sheds light on what he believes Republican should do if they win back the House and Senate this fall as well as some of the pushback that he has received.

Then, Michele discusses her transition from the NFL sidelines to the political limelight, as well as her inspirational message to young people in the broadcasting business.

Later, Ben gives his latest unique perspective on the war on Ukraine, and some of his insights as to how it could play out.

Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech

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The Future For Russia, Energy & The World Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

This week, Ben sits down with Senior Research Fellow on Russia and Europe at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Anatol Lieven, and Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future, Daniel Turner.

Anatol weighs in on how Putin's decisions are affected by the information he receives from his inner circle, what possible off-ramps for peace could be, and what might be next for Vladimir Putin. Then, Daniel discusses how the war has affected the energy industry and outlines why he believes President Biden's energy policies have purposefully increased the price of oil.

Later, Ben discusses Putin's request for military aid from the Chinese, why this request is so important in the larger scale of geopolitics, and he ponders how either of their options could play out.

Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech

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Chuck DeVore & How To Handle Russia Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

This week, Ben sits down with Vice President of National Initiatives at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Chuck DeVore, to discuss the latest developments in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

DeVore draws on his military background to explain why he believes the war has not gone as planned for President Vladimir Putin. They discuss what could bring about nuclear warfare, what the consequences of a no-fly zone would be, as well as how the free flow of information has changed public sentiment about the war.

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From Biden To Burisma & All Angles Of Ukraine Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

On this episode, Ben sits down with the Vice Chairman of the America First Policy Institute Center for American Security, Frederick Fleitz, and Senior Editor at The Federalist, John Daniel Davidson, to break down all angles of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ben and Frederick discuss how past presidential administrations have handled Russia differently, then John comes on to analyze the military details of the invasion, and what Putin may do next. Later, Ben discusses the Hunter Biden Burisma saga, and how that once again may become relevant.

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An Inside Look At The Freedom Convoy with Michael Taube and Harold Jonker Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

This week, Ben sits down with columnist for Troy Media and Loonie Politics, contributor to the National Post and Washington Times, and former speechwriter to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Michael Taube, and Freedom Convoy organizer Harold Jonker.

Michael Taube tells Ben why he believes that the leadership over the entirety of Justin Trudeau's tenure ultimately led to this moment, and how he thinks this saga may play out. Later, Harold Junker discusses what the Freedom Convoy hopes to gain from their protest, and how media coverage has misrepresented their group.

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Johann Hari & Taking Back Your Attention Span Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

This week, Ben sits down with writer and New York Times Bestselling author, Johann Hari to discuss his new book Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - And How To Think Deeply Again.

Johann illustrates how modern technology has changed the way our brains work, why it will only get worse in the next forty years, and what you can do to help change that.

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Erich Schwartzel & China’s Censorship Of The Film Industry Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

This week, Ben sits down with Hollywood Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Erich Schwartzel to discuss his new book, Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy.

Erich shares how China exerts its influence on Hollywood, and why it is so difficult for actors, writers, and producers to make content that is critical of the Chinese government. Erich details how some well-known movies have specifically made changes to not draw the ire of China.

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