The Bill Press Pod

Latest Episodes:

"Everything is Projection or Confession?" Trump's Cognitive Decline with Dr. John Gartner Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Bill interviews Dr. John Gartner, a former Johns Hopkins professor and founder of Duty to Warn. In his return to the Bill Press Pod, Dr. Gartner provides an in-depth analysis of President Donald Trump’s cognitive health, asserting that Trump exhibits signs of severe cognitive decline and personality disorders such as malignant narcissism. He discusses specific instances that showcase Trump’s deteriorating mental state, including erratic behavior, memory lapses, and lack of empathy. The episode delves into the challenges and dangers posed by Trump's mental condition, its implications on his presidency, and potential future scenarios.

Today Bill once again highlights the work of Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen. While the Trump administration is decimating America's soft power around the world, and our role as a provider of aid to people and countries in peril, the World Central Kitchen goes where they're needed. No matter the war zone nor the danger of a natural disaster. This is one of Carol and my favorite charities and I hope you'll support them at WCK.org

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"Trump is Faltering." The Reporters' Roundtable. December 12, 2025. Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Trump's Power fading: Indiana Fail. Trump Lame Duck? Senate Healthcare Fail. Affordability Fail. James Indictment Fail. Judicial Guardrails Holding. Boat Strike Questions. War in Venezuela? With Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News, Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter for HuffPost and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter and co-author of the Daily Newsletter for NOTUS.

Today Bill suggests a Holiday gift: Hand-made, one-of-a-kind scarves from his weaver wife Carol. These are warm, beautiful and works of art. Check them out at CarolPressScarves.com

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2026: A Reckoning for Trump and the GOP? With Larry Sabato. Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Bill reconnects with Larry Sabato, Founder and Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. to discuss the 2026 midterm elections. Sabato shares his insights on why he believes Democrats have the edge going into the midterms, citing dissatisfaction with the current Republican control of the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court. They delve into the implications of redistricting and special elections, recent shifts in voter behavior among Hispanic and Asian communities, and the influence of former President Donald Trump on upcoming elections. The conversation also covers competitive Senate races, the potential impact of candidates like Susan Collins, and the possible future role of J.D. Vance in the 2028 presidential race. The discussion highlights the importance of politics in shaping the future of the nation and reflects on past progress while expressing optimism for the future.

Today Bill highlights the work of Jose Andres and The World Central Kitchen. On the front lines of war and natural disasters. Consider adding it to your charitable giving in this Holiday (and Tax planning) season. More information at WCK.org

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"The Zone of Insanity." The Reporters' Roundtable. December 5, 2025 Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Drug Boats Strikes. Hegseth Doubles Down. Trump’s Wild Pardons.J6 Bomber Arrest. Affordability Messaging. Tenn Special Election. GOP Healthcare Chaos. Ballroom inflation. With Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor, Kirk Bado, Editor of The National Journal Hotline and Philip Bump, former Washington Post Columnist and current MS-Now(MSNBC), Contributor.

Today Bill suggests a Carol Press Scarf as a great holiday gift. Hand woven, each a work of art. Take a look at CarolPressScarves.com

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The Promise and Peril of AI with Tech Journalist Jacob Ward. Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Bill speaks with Jacob Ward, a longtime technology journalist. He’s worked for NBC News, CNN and PBS. They discuss the origins and development of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its capabilities and limitations. Jacob explains that AI's power lies in its pattern recognition but emphasizes that it does not truly understand the data it processes. He delves into the societal implications of AI, including job displacement, lack of regulation, and potential psychological impacts. Despite these risks, Ward highlights positive uses of AI in fields like healthcare and astronomy. Finally, he discusses the pressing need for regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse effects of AI and advocates for a balanced approach to AI utilization.

You can follow Jacob Ward’s Podcast and Newsletter, The Rip Current, here TheRipCurrent.com and here TheRipCurrent.substack.com. And his book, The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back here.

Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers’ International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.

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The Heroines of the French Resistance with Historian Lynne Olson. Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews historian and author Lynne Olson at The Hill Center in Washington DC. Olson discusses her latest book, 'The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck,' which tells the incredible story of French women in the Resistance who were imprisoned in the Nazis' only all-female concentration camp, Ravensbruck. The conversation highlights the women's bravery, resilience, and defiance under horrific conditions. Olson also shares insights about post-war recognition and controversies surrounding these women's contributions. Additionally, she touches on her book 'Empress of the Nile,' detailing the efforts of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt to save ancient Egyptian temples. We hope you enjoy this captivating discussion that shines a light on these underrecognized heroines of history.

The two books mentioned in detail are:

The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler's All-Female Concentration Camp. You can buy here.

Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction

You can buy here.

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Will the "America First" President get us into war? With National Security Analyst, Joe Cirincione. Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Bill and National Security Analyst Joe Cirincione discuss the implications of recent U.S. foreign policy actions under Donald Trump's administration. They focus on the escalating military actions in Venezuela, the Trump administration's unauthorized and potentially illegal military strikes against alleged drug smugglers, and the broader historical context of U.S. involvement in Latin America. The conversation also touches on the controversial peace plan proposed for Ukraine, which heavily favors Russian interests, and the precarious ceasefire situation in Gaza. Additionally, they examine Saudi Arabia's influence on U.S. policy, highlighting Trump's controversial relationships with foreign leaders like Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The episode underscores the complexities and contradictions of current U.S. foreign policy and raises questions about its legality and effectiveness.

Today Bill suggests a great holiday gift, the hand-woven scarves by Carol Press. Check them out at CarolPressScarves.com.

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"Nothing really surprises me anymore ." The Reporters' Roundtable. November 21, 2025 Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

Epstein! Epstein! Epstein!

Mike Johnson Spooked.

MTG vs DJT.

MBS Khashoggi and Trump.

The Weakening Congress.

Refuse Legal Orders!

Trump’s Overreaction.

Dick Cheney’s Funeral Guests.

Today's Panel: Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief at CQ-Roll Call, Katherine Tully-McManus, Congressional Reporter at Politico, Ledge King, Managing Editor of National Journal Daily and John Bennett, White House Correspondent for CQ-Roll Call.

Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org

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Michael Wolff on the men he called "Playboys in Arms." Our interview from July. Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

With Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump in the news together last week and for sure this week, we thought we'd look back at the interview Bill did with Michael Wolff, a confidant of Jeffrey Epstein and an author with several books about Donald Trump. There is a lot that Michael Wolff revealed in this interview from four months ago. Might be fun to take a listen again knowing what you know now. And if your friends haven't heard it recommend that they do. So…in this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill Press reconnects with veteran journalist Michael Wolff to discuss the relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff reveals intimate details about their close friendship from the late 80s through the early 2000s, their mutual interests in women and real estate, and their eventual fallout over a Palm Beach property deal. Wolff also discusses Trump's efforts to downplay their relationship, Epstein's later belief that Trump contributed to his legal troubles, and the reluctance of mainstream media to delve into this story. Wolff shares his personal interactions with Epstein, insights from his 100 hours of taped interviews, and untapped explosive content related to Trump. The conversation also touches on Trump's first term in office, comparing it to his current administration, and concludes with Wolff's views on Trump's current challenges and potential impact on his political future. Michael Wolff's latest book is All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America. You can see his other books here. And Michael Wolff is active on Instagram. instagram.com/michaelwolffnyc.

As the holiday season is upon us, Bill suggests a Carol Press Scarf as a great gift. Hand-made, each is a work of art in Rayon Chenille or Bamboo. Take a look at CarolPressScarves.com.

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"That definitely doesn't look great ." The Reporters' Roundtable. November 14, 2025. Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

Epstein and More Epstein. Shutdown Winners. War on Venezuela? Trump’s Foreign Focus. Trump: Prices Down. Not. Filibuster Safe. With Jeff Dufour, Editor in chief at The National Journal, Mia McCarthy, Congress Reporter at Politico and Hunter Walker, Investigative Reporter for Talking Points Memo.

Today Bill reminds us that a one-of-a-kind Carol Press Scarf make a great holiday gift. Check out these individual works of art at CarolPressScarves.com.

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