Podcast
David & Stu... Unhinged!
Hosted by David & Stu · EN
“David & Stu . . . Unhinged!” offers a unique glimpse into the world's most pressing (and most trivial) issues through the eyes of two of Greenwich Village’s jaded residents, who are usually pissed off about something. From allowing people to legally sh** on our sidewalks to
"discrimination" against fat people, David Simonetti, a writer and attorney, and Stu Richel, a critically acclaimed actor, screenwriter, and Vietnam War vet, offer an acerbic yet civilized perspective on politics and life in New York City. Occasionally veering into the abyss of rage, like Stu's unbridled contempt for Jane Fonda and David's rage about those who ask for ice cream samples, the duo from two different generations will enchant you with their common-sense reactions speckled with off-the-rails humor, anger, and dismay.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
95: Memorial Mania, Return to Sender, Freebie Fever & Park Bench Eulogy
1w ago00:39:29Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. This week on David & Stu Unhinged, we dive into four stories that capture the chaos, absurdity, and occasional heartbreak of modern America.Memorial Mania — While most Americans honored fallen service members over Memorial Day weekend, Donald Trump spent the holiday rage-posting on Truth Social, recycling election conspiracies, attacking enemies, and sharing bizarre AI-generated images of himself.Return to Sender — UPS still refuses to deliver directly to two Staten Island housing complexes because of attacks on drivers decades ago, even though FedEx, Amazon, USPS, and DHL all deliver there today. Now residents are suing, alleging race, age, and disability discrimination.Freebie Fever — NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani keeps pushing expanded taxpayer-funded childcare despite declining enrollment and fewer young children in the city. David & Stu ask the obvious question: why expand a system already struggling with inefficiency?Park Bench Eulogy — What started as ordinary New York small talk in Washington Square Park took an unexpectedly emotional turn when a woman revealed to Stu her beloved Westie was likely taking his final walk through the parkWe hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →94: Scamelot, Progressive Paroling, Elon’s Ketamine Capitalism & War Gambling
2w ago00:36:16Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast.This week, David & Stu get into four stories making headlines and disgusting reasonable minds.Scamelot — Jack Schlossberg wants a seat in Congress despite having no real accomplishments beyond inheriting America’s most over-marketed political last name. The campaign is chaotic, amateurish, and somehow still taken seriously because the elite establishment still has not let go of the Camelot myth.Progressive Paroling — Albany Democrats want violent felons released unless the state can prove they’re still dangerous, while another proposal lets criminals 55+ seek parole after 15 years, no matter the sentence. Apparently, victims are now the least important people in the justice system.Ketamine Capitalism — Elon Musk’s OpenAI lawsuit collapsed in humiliating fashion, exposing what increasingly looks less like AI ethics and more like a billionaire ego spiral fueled by social media addiction, pharmaceuticals, & delusional thinking.War Gambling — A U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant allegedly used classified intel tied to the Maduro operation to make over $400K betting on Polymarket while helping plan the mission itself. Prediction markets are rapidly becoming insider trading for geopolitics, and Congress needs to step in with guardrails instead of wasting time figuring out how to fund Trump’s gaudy vanity projects like that ballroom fiasco.We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques.Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →93: Spies, Murdaugh & Taped Toucans—Plus FDA Chaos
3w ago00:46:49Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. This week, David & Stu get into four stories that sound fictional and aren't.Mao's Revenge – A Southern California mayor and her ex-fiancé face federal charges for allegedly operating a covert Chinese influence campaign disguised as local news. Fake headlines, real political targets, and a question nobody's fully answered yet: how high did it go?Murdaugh Madness – Alex Murdaugh was supposed to be done. Convicted. Gone. Now, explosive jury tampering allegations have cracked the case back open, and a judge's stunning ruling has thrown everything into chaos. A retrial isn't off the table.Toucans in the Dashboard – Federal agents pull over a car at the California border and find endangered birds taped up and hidden inside the dashboard. Broken bones. A black market trafficking ring. A five-figure penalty. One of the darkest and strangest stories in recent memory.MAHA Mayhem – Dr. Marty Makary was supposed to be the adult in the room at the FDA. A respected Johns Hopkins surgeon, a familiar face, someone who knew the science. Then the political pressure over abortion pills, vaping, and COVID vaccines became too much, and he was out. With RFK Jr. sidelined and Trump keeping his distance, nobody's steering the ship.Foreign spies. A murder case that won't die. Black market wildlife. A leaderless FDA.We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →92: Fashion Fallout, Digital Disaster, Weaponized Justice & Flight Fiasco
4w ago00:38:38Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. This week, David and Stu cut through the noise on four stories that have no business being this entertaining.Reboot Culture & the Met Gala Money Machine Devil Wears Prada 2 arrived just in time for Met Gala 2026—because Hollywood would rather mine nostalgia than take a risk. Meryl Streep is back, the cameos are plentiful, and the plot was apparently optional. Meanwhile, the Met itself has become less a celebration of fashion-as-art and more a very expensive costume party underwritten by a vulgar billionaire and his trashy wife. We ask the uncomfortable question: at what point does spectacle replace substance entirely?Maine Towns vs. the AI Data Center Boom. The promise was jobs and progress. What towns like Wiscasset, Maine, are actually getting: skyrocketing energy consumption, strained water supplies, and rising costs—with almost no local employment to show for it. The cloud has a carbon footprint, and some communities are now pushing back hard.The EEOC's DEI Lawsuits: Culture War Theater. With two active wars and a shaky economy, the Trump administration's Justice Department has identified the true threat to America: the New York Times and college DEI programs. The EEOC's "reverse discrimination" cases are legally thin and politically calculated—loud enough to dominate headlines, unlikely to survive serious judicial scrutiny.Newark Airport: A United Jet, a Light Pole, and I-95. A United Airlines plane clipped a light pole on departure, sent debris raining onto I-95, and triggered a chain-reaction highway crash. Stu—a former student pilot who once came dangerously close to landing on a truck—had genuine thoughts. We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →91: She Never Had a Child… Apparently, NYC Politics, OSU Scandal & Measles
May 300:42:43Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. On this episode of David & Stu Unhinged, we break down a missing child case, NYC political drama, a major university scandal, and the return of measles in the U.S.—four stories that get stranger the deeper you go.The Missing Child MysteryA young woman’s family insists she gave birth to a son—now reported missing. But she claims she never had a child at all. A disturbing case full of contradictions, denial, and unanswered questions.NYC Politics in TurmoilGovernor Kathy Hochul faces backlash over a proposed pied-à-terre tax, while Mayor Mamdani escalates tensions with a public clash involving Citadel’s Ken Griffin. Is New York pushing wealth out?Ohio State ScandalFormer Admiral and Ohio State President Ted Carter resigned abruptly amid allegations of financial misconduct tied to a personal relationship—raising serious questions about leadership and accountability.Measles Surge & Vaccine DebateMeasles cases are rising again in the U.S., reigniting debates over vaccines, public health policy, and the role of RFK Jr. at HHS.Wild stories. Sharp takes. Zero filter.Hit play and buckle up. We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →90: La Non Dolce Vita, MAGA Draft Dodging, Keystone Kash & Bad Santa
Apr 2600:41:11Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast.On this episode of David & Stu Unhinged, we dive headfirst into the most outrageous political chaos, jaw-dropping scandals, and hypocrisy dominating the headlines—guaranteed to spark debate and keep you laughing:1. La Non Dolce Vita: David’s dream vacation in Italy turns into a hilarious disaster as his eccentric brother’s relentless complaints, epic public arguments, and stubborn refusal to try anything “too Italian” transform iconic spots like Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast into scenes of utter chaos. From shouting matches in Roman piazzas to culinary meltdowns, it’s the trip you’ll never forget.2. MAGA Draft Dodging: A bizarre encounter in Manhattan’s Lower East Side sends Stu deep into the Trump family’s tangled history with military service. He uncovers old accusations of hypocrisy, fresh controversies, and the wild stories that keep America divided—and keeps listeners guessing.3. Keystone Kash: FBI Director Explosive allegations about FBI Director Kash Patel’s erratic leadership and shocking conduct—including drinking on the job, management chaos, and national security concerns—ignite a headline-grabbing $250 million legal showdown with The Atlantic. We break down the lawsuits, the secrets, and what’s really going on behind closed doors.4. Bad Santa: The mastermind of NYC’s infamous SantaCon is now in serious legal trouble, facing federal fraud charges for allegedly misusing charity funds. What started as a wild holiday party is now a full-blown crime story—turning merry chaos into scandal.Ready for wild stories, sharp takes, and nonstop laughs? Hit play and buckle up for David & Stu Unhinged—where nothing is off-limits!Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →89: Trump’s Alcatraz Farce, Swalwell Scandal, Jesus Post & Pope Clash & an American Hero
Apr 1900:38:26Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. On this episode of David & Stu Unhinged, we break down the latest political chaos, scandals, and hypocrisy dominating the headlines:(1) Trump’s Alcatraz FarceTrump is once again pushing the idea of reopening Alcatraz—ignoring the massive costs, legal roadblocks, loss of tourism revenue, and the fact that the U.S. already has high-security prison capacity. We unpack why this is another headline-grabbing proposal that faces serious state, federal, and legal hurdles before it ever becomes reality.(2) Swalwell Scandal & the FalloutWe dive into the allegations surrounding Congressman Eric Swalwell, his resignation, and the political firestorm that followed. We also examine the broader pattern of controversy among MAGA-aligned figures and the aggressive response from conservative media, including claims of Democratic “blackmail tactics.” Plus, Melania Trump’s rare Epstein-related press conference—damage control or something more?(3) A Real American Hero: Royce WilliamsAmid the chaos, we spotlight 100-year-old Navy Captain Royce Williams, awarded the Medal of Honor for his long-classified heroism during the Korean War. His decades of silence, humility, and service stand in stark contrast to today’s performative political culture.(4) Trump’s “Jesus” Post & Pope ClashTrump sparks outrage after posting—and deleting—an AI image of himself as a Christ-like figure, then escalating tensions with Pope Leo XIV. We break down why this clash hits differently than past conflicts with Pope Francis, how it’s landing with conservative Catholics, and why figures like JD Vance are suddenly walking a political tightrope. We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →88: MAGA Christians, the Hershey Chocolate Scandal, Elite Hypocrisy & Culinary Spectrum
Apr 1200:40:40Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. On this episode of David & Stu Unhinged, we break down the growing hypocrisy behind MAGA Christianity, the Hershey–Reese’s chocolate scandal, elite double standards in New York City education, and an unexpected bright spot in inclusive fine dining.First, we unpack how right‑wing media claims about Gen Z embracing religion and traditional values collapse under real data—and how political figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance invoke Christian language to justify policies and violence that directly contradict core Christian ethics. As global religious leaders warn against weaponizing faith, we ask why these voices are ignored.Next, we dive into the Hershey controversy after consumers discovered that some Reese’s products quietly replaced real milk chocolate with cheaper compound coatings. Public backlashes sparked in part by the inventor’s own family forced the company into damage control, raising bigger questions about corporate trust, branding, and accountability.We also examine outrage in New York City schools, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of Chancellor Kamar Samuels ignited backlash after reports revealed that Samuels’ own child benefited from elite private and screened public schools—opportunities his policies would restrict for everyone else. Is “education equity” being enforced selectively?Finally, we close with Chefs on the Spectrum, an innovative program launched by Manhattan chef Franklin Becker to create real pathways for autistic talent in fine dining, spotlighting how inclusion can actually work when it’s grounded in opportunity rather than ideology.Politics, hypocrisy, chocolate, class, and culture—all unhinged, all connected.We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →87: MAGA Crime Spree, Teen DUI, Noem Scandal & Gridlock Karma.
Apr 500:41:13Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. On this 87th episode of David & Stu Unhinged, we cover the following topics:(1) Trump has spent hours bashing Democrats for being soft on crime, yet he pardoned 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 riots, some of whom had prior convictions for violent or sexual crimes and reoffended after release. This makes you wonder who is really soft on crime since Trump has seriously jeopardized public safety by allowing dangerous individuals to return to American streets, making him look worse than progressive prosecutors like Fat Alvin Bragg.(2) A 14-year-old mother was driving on I-64 in Hampton, VA, without a license, allegedly drunk, with a 1-year-old not properly restrained, before a crash that killed the child. We will discuss this tragic story, including the criminal charges and the potential civil/insurance nightmare that encompasses wrongful death, coverage fights, and who else could be on the hook.(3) Although the GOP promotes "family values," President Trump and his appointees have been involved in scandals ranging from infidelity to corruption. Kristi Noem was dismissed due to incompetence and scandal, and her husband, Bryon Noem's online activity undermines claims of moral superiority. Such discrepancies between public image and private conduct raise concerns about blackmail risks and credibility.(4) Congestion pricing has worked in cities worldwide—including New York—despite Trump’s dramatic threats to kill it. A judge shut him down, but the prospect of Trump admitting he was wrong remains about as likely as rush-hour traffic disappearing. We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
Transcribe →86: Stu’s Christian Mingle, Miami Rebound, Real Baseball, & Mission Not Accomplished
Mar 2900:41:55Tap to summarizeWelcome to David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. On this 86th episode of David & Stu Unhinged, we cover the following topics:(1) Stu will delve deeper into his recent encounter with a group of Christian students from a Florida high school whom he met in Washington Square Park last month. The students impressed Stu with their intelligence and thoughtful questions about faith. They were also eager to learn about his Vietnam experience, his stage play “Vietnam...through my lens,” and how his ongoing struggle with sciatica might impact his future gigs. Following this meeting, the group’s chaperone has kept the conversation going with Stu through email—an intriguing development.(2) After writing off Miami Beach as a post-COVID circus, David returned five years later to find a city that’s largely back on its feet—fantastic weather, great beach days, and plenty to enjoy—though still showing a few scars in shuttered storefronts and ongoing improvements. The trip was also elevated by a visit to Little Havana, where the Cuban exile story adds depth and a more grounded counterpoint to the myths, missteps, and politics that have shaped both Cuba and Miami.(3) The World Baseball Classic (WBC) took place just before the MLB season opener on March 25. International teams competed with lively enthusiasm, celebrating every run and playing with infectious joy. This spirited energy highlighted baseball’s global appeal and contrasted with the more reserved style often seen in Major League Baseball. In this episode, we’ll explore standout moments from the WBC and what makes it such a must-watch for fans.(4) A discussion of a recent Telegraph article by David Blair, which—unlike the usual noise—offers a more grounded view of the Iran conflict, arguing that despite U.S. strikes, Iran can still claim success if its regime endures, maintains influence, and continues imposing costs, all while exposing the absence of a coherent U.S. strategy and a clear definition of what “victory” is supposed to look like.We hope you tune in, and please leave comments. We welcome all feedback, including any critiques. Connect with David & Stu:• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidStu...Unhinged• Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.• We encourage all to visit our website (https://www.rageworksnetwork.com/show/david-stu-unhinged/), and please leave comments for our consideration.
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