Podcast
Just Ask the Question Podcast
Hosted by Brian Karem · EN
Just Ask the Question is a unique and provocative look at the news in today’s headlines. Playboy White House correspondent and CNN political analyst Brian Karem hosts a conversation with newsmakers across the spectrum, asking the hardest questions and engaging them in deep conversation about issues that matter to all of us. Just Ask the Question is an unedited conversation with those in the public eye who influence life in the United States. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Just Ask the Press - Why You Should Be Worried About the Midterms
1w ago01:24:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just Ask the Press, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and Nolan Higdon dive into the week's most volatile headlines, questioning the stability of American democracy and the effectiveness of our current political leadership. The panel dissects the U.S. government’s "go-it-alone" approach to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, the escalating tensions in the Middle East—including the breakdown of the Iran ceasefire—and a barrage of controversial Supreme Court decisions that have left legal experts and citizens alike reeling. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press - Inside the Iran MOU, Secret Elite Clubs, and the G7
2w ago01:13:41Tap to summarizeThis week we cover a wide range of current political and international issues, including the Iran deal, Trump's G7 appearance, Supreme Court decisions, and more. Join us for an in-depth analysis of these critical topics and their implications for the future. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press - Trillionaires, Situation Rooms, and Cage Matches
3w ago01:18:12Tap to summarizeThis week on Just Ask the Press, Brian Karem is joined by national security and FOIA expert Mark Zaid and journalism professor Nolan Higdon to unpack an incredibly chaotic week in news, politics, and media. The trio kicks off the episode reacting to Elon Musk officially becoming the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX went public on the NASDAQ. They delve into his sci-fi aspirations for Mars and debate whether his staggering wealth is inherently dangerous for democracy or a catalyst for taking risks that governments won't. Next, the panel breaks down blockbuster reporting exposing a high-level, secret Situation Room meeting from the summer of 2025. Trump administration officials scrambled to manage damning, unreleased Epstein files, sparking an internal civil war over transparency—and a rogue strategy proposed by JD Vance. Later, Mark Zaid guides us through a packed week in the legal system, detailing the dramatic, eleventh-hour removal of Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center, a federal judge definitively halting a $1.776 billion "slush fund," and why a last-minute lawsuit failed to stop a massive UFC extravaganza on the White House lawn. Finally, the team scrutinizes the "on-again, off-again" war in Iran, the Department of Justice's controversial approval of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, and how the New York Knicks managed to win it all—despite a potential "Trump jinx." Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press - Tulsi Gabbard, Havana Syndrome, and Trump's Interview
4w ago01:06:51Tap to summarizeWelcome back to another episode of Just Ask the Press! Brian is joined by national security expert Mark S. Zaid and journalism professor Nolan Higdon to dissect a chaotic week in American politics, global conflicts, and government restructuring. We kick things off with Donald Trump’s explosive, rainy interview on Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, followed by his historic—and heavily booed—appearance at the NBA Finals in Manhattan. Plus, a massive institutional cover-up regarding Havana Syndrome is reaching a breaking point as Tulsi Gabbard prepares to exit the ODNI. We also break down the legal fallout of John Bolton's impending felony plea deal and explain how recent DOGE budget cuts just brought a dangerous, cattle-killing parasite back to the American workforce—and what it means for your grocery bill. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This show is available ad-free and early for Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Jim Crow 2.0? Supreme Court Shocks Midterms w/ Danica Roem
Jun 800:37:18Tap to summarizeDanica Roem joins our host Brian Karem to discuss Virginia's redistricting, the impact of court decisions, and the broader implications for democracy and upcoming elections. She emphasizes the importance of voter turnout, strategic campaigning, and the need for electoral reforms like ranked choice voting. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press - Epstein, The FBI, and America's B-Day!
Jun 201:11:39Tap to summarizeJoin us as we dissect the tumultuous week behind headlines involving Donald Trump’s legal battles, Congressional investigations into Epstein, and recent government actions on immigration and national security. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press - Tulsi Gabbard, DNC Autopsy, and Cuba
May 2601:13:41Tap to summarizeThis episode covers a wide range of current political issues, including recent threats against the White House, the state of political violence, the Iran deal, the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard from her intelligence post, and the Democratic autopsy of the 2024 campaign. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press - China, Israel, and Iran
May 1901:06:30Tap to summarizeFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Just Ask the Press - Gerrymandering, Justice Thomas, and the Epstein Note
May 1301:11:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we unpack a whirlwind week of legal battles, political maneuvers, and international tensions, highlighting key developments affecting democracy and global stability. Stay tuned as we break down the implications of redistricting chaos, Epstein's mysterious notes, and escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Key Topics: Virginia Supreme Court decision on district gerrymandering and its procedural challenges The political fallout from court rulings on redistricting efforts across states The controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's purported suicide note and conspiracy theories The ongoing US-Iran tensions including recent naval skirmishes and diplomatic efforts The state of the US economy under Trump, including job reports and inflation concerns The integrity of the Supreme Court and its role in partisan politics The influence of race, progressivism, and historical context in current judicial and political debates Media coverage, censorship, and the transparency of military and governmental actions Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction: News overview and importance of the week’s topics (02:00) - Virginia Supreme Court decision stalling redistricting efforts (04:00) - Gerrymandering’s impact on midterm elections and political landscape (06:00) - Court's procedural errors and the partisan battleground (09:00) - The potential realignment of Southern districts and racial implications (11:00) - The court’s stance on partisan gerrymandering; political expert insights (13:00) - The Supreme Court’s energy: politically motivated yet legally balanced? (15:00) - Justice Thomas’s speech on progressivism and American governmental shifts (17:00) - The dangerous rhetoric about race, progressivism, and their historical narrative (19:00) - Epstein's suicide note: authenticity, conspiracy theories, and media response (23:00) - The bizarre and cryptic contents of Epstein's alleged note and legal questions (26:00) - The significance of Epstein’s death: truth, cover-ups, and public trust (30:00) - Tensions with Iran: naval skirmishes, diplomacy, and strategic questions (37:00) - War or no war? The confusing nature of recent US-Iran military activity (40:00) - US economic reports: job growth, inflation, and political spins (43:00) - The disconnection between job numbers and everyday economic reality (44:00) - Gas prices, grocery costs, and the public’s economic skepticism (48:00) - Political narratives about taxing the wealthy and social reforms (50:00) - The impact of political pandering on local and national elections (54:00) - The looming scandal: legal repercussions for Trump administration figures (61:00) - The potential prosecutions, cover-ups, and post-presidency consequences (66:00) - The importance of accountability and truth commissions in American democracy (69:00) - Closing remarks: reflections on justice, truth, and upcoming political battles Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Just Ask the Press: The Breaking Point
May 501:19:41Tap to summarizeThis week we cover a wide range of pressing issues including press freedom, recent Supreme Court decisions, gerrymandering, the state of political violence, and the Iran-U.S. conflict. Brian, Mark, and Nolan analyze the implications of these developments on democracy, civil rights, and international relations. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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