Podcast Summary: "Stinchfield Tonight" – February 23, 2026

Podcast: Real America's Voice
Host: Grant Stinchfield
Episode Air Date: February 24, 2026

Overview

This episode of "Stinchfield Tonight" delivers a fast-paced, unapologetically conservative breakdown of the most pressing issues facing America in February 2026. The central theme is the escalating violence from Mexican drug cartels—especially in the wake of cartel leader El Mencho’s death—its implications for U.S. national security, and the growing nexus between cartels and foreign adversaries such as China. The episode also covers political divides ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union, the California gubernatorial race, economic/market advice, and the country's mood as reflected in sports and politics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mexican Cartel Crisis & National Security

(01:58–17:19)

• El Mencho’s Death & Cartel Violence:
  Stinchfield gives a detailed account of the Mexican government’s successful operation to eliminate cartel leader El Mencho, including subsequent violent reprisals—burning cars, attacks on taxis, and tourist areas in Jalisco.

  • Quote (Grant Stinchfield, 01:58): “The Mexican cartels are the United States’s number one national security threat...this partnership with the cartels and China to kill American citizens is why these cartels need to be eradicated.”

• Political Fallout in Mexico:
  Guest clips and analysis warn that Mexico is on the brink of instability, comparing it to Venezuela and highlighting alleged ties between Mexican leaders and socialism/authoritarian regimes.

  • Quote (Sen. Lilly Telles, via Stinchfield, 05:19): “We are on the steps to be the next Venezuela ... and we are losing our country.”

• Effect on U.S. Trade & Economy:
  Stinchfield emphasizes the economic impact if Mexico destabilizes, affecting trade and food imports.

• Proposed Responses:

  • Designating Cartels as Terrorists: President Trump has declared the cartels terrorist organizations, and there’s bipartisan call to act on it.

  • Privateers/Mercenary Legislation:
    Featured: Tim Burchett's congressional proposal to hire ex-military private contractors to target cartels internationally.

    • Quote (Stinchfield, 08:07): “He’s talking about mercenaries and he has a bill in Congress...make an end run around international law.”

  • Military Action/Drones: Guests and Stinchfield debate pros and cons of U.S. military engagement, comparing potential urban warfare to Gaza.

2. Deep Dive: Cartel Operations & Border Security

(10:17–17:17)
Guest: Art Del Cueto – Border security advisor, former Border Patrol agent

• Cartel Resilience & Strategy:
  Del Cueto emphasizes the adaptability and brutality of cartels—succession is immediate, they have military training, popular support in some towns, and employ extreme violence for intimidation.

  • Quote (Art Del Cueto, 10:32): “They play by a different set of rules ... These are vicious individuals. A lot of them have been trained by the military themselves.”

• Urban Warfare Challenges:
  Any U.S. intervention would be “ugly”—cartels blend with civilians and exploit local support and child soldiers.

  • Quote (Art Del Cueto, 13:06): “There will be some casualties on both sides if it turns into some kind of urban warfare down on the ground ... they have amassed billions ... weapons technology...recruiting kids.”

• Cartel Innovation:
  Smuggling via drones, use of American manufacturing, employing U.S. operatives, and deep-rooted multigenerational experience.

• Immediate U.S. Threat:
  Cartel affiliates are already inside the U.S.; drug trafficking persists despite border crackdowns. As cartel violence escalates, more may enter seeking asylum.

3. Political Mood & State of the Union

(19:19–35:51)

• Polarization over State of the Union:
  Democrats threaten to boycott President Trump’s address. Stinchfield frames this as disrespect for the presidency and American institutions, slams lawmakers like Adam Schiff and Chuck Schumer.

  • Quote (Stinchfield, 28:54): “This is not. I can’t treat you as normal. Here’s the reality. We pay you to be there. So it is part of your job.”

• Economic & Social Progress Claims:
  Trump’s record is celebrated—stock market highs, lower crime, peace abroad, manufacturing gains.

  • Quote (Stinchfield, 30:01): “We have a stock market literally booming. We’ve got manufacturing numbers on the rise. ... crime rates that are down... Inflation is down.”

• International Respect & American Pride:
  Jim Hoft (Gateway Pundit) and Stinchfield discuss Trump’s foreign policy “successes,” the symbolic importance of the U.S. men’s hockey Olympic gold, and cultural revival.

  • Quote (Jim Hoft, 30:46): “The eight wars he was able to resolve, the peace breaking out across the world ... Trump is bringing so much back to America.”

• Relatable Leadership:
  Trump directly invites the hockey team to State of the Union, with staffer Cash Patel celebrating informally.

  • Quote (Jim Hoft, 32:48): "It's really just amazing how he talks to people, and it's just like they've been friends for a long time...he's so relatable."

4. California Governor’s Race: The Centrist Take

(41:10–46:14)
Guest: Elaine Culotti – Entrepreneur, independent gubernatorial candidate

• Culotti’s Pitch:
  Distancing from the Democrats and Republicans, Culotti claims to represent the disillusioned California “middle” and highlights the state Democratic party’s dysfunction.

  • Quote (Elaine Culotti, 42:05): “It’s not about whether or not I’m undecided. I’m absolutely certain I’m not a Democrat anymore. My party left me.”

• Policy Positions – Lightning Round:

  • Raising Taxes: “100%. No. It’s economic development.” (44:15)
  • Homelessness: “100%. No. Cities need to advocate for themselves...We need institutions for each category.” (44:22)
  • Teachers’ Union: “There’s gotta be a complete reorganization...voting to trans kids, they’ve lost the plot.” (44:41)
  • Abortion: “I also am a woman and women believe in women’s choice...the victim is the baby.” (45:00)
  • Stinchfield calls her a “pro-choice Republican in disguise” and suggests she could win as a Democrat.

5. Market and Economy Segment

(49:33–54:03)
Guest: Kip Herridge – CEO, Vertical Research Advisory

• Tariffs, Bull Market Outlook, Investing Tips:

  • The SCOTUS ruling empowers Trump to ramp up tariffs; Herridge views this as market-positive and forecasts continued bull market, “30 to 50% gains this year.”
    • Quote (Kip Herridge, 49:41): “We think we’re going to see gains of 30 to 50% this year. ... the markets like Trump’s tariff policies.”
  • Herridge offers a gold miner stock pick: Snowline Gold ($12 now, target $80–100).
  • Advocates for focused, non-overdiversified portfolios (10–15 positions).

• Personal Testimony:
  Stinchfield vouches for Herridge’s newsletters and stock-picking system as valuable to listeners.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Cartels and National Security:
  • “The Mexican cartels are the United States’s number one national security threat...” — Grant Stinchfield (01:58)
• On U.S. Military Action in Mexico:
  • “If they did the job, it wouldn’t go pretty for the cartel members.” — Grant Stinchfield (08:07)
  • “There will be some casualties on both sides...they have amassed billions...recruiting kids.” — Art Del Cueto (13:06)
• On Political Infighting:
  • “We are on the steps to be the next Venezuela...” — Sen. Lilly Telles (05:19, relayed by Stinchfield)
  • “This is not. I can’t treat you as normal. Here’s the reality. We pay you to be there.” — Grant Stinchfield (28:54)
• On National Mood:
  • “The eight wars that he [Trump] was able to resolve, the peace breaking out across the world ... Trump is bringing so much back to America.” — Jim Hoft (30:46)
• On California’s Political Center:
  • “I’m absolutely certain I’m not a Democrat anymore. My party left me.” — Elaine Culotti (42:05)
• On the Economy:
  • “We think we’re going to see gains of 30 to 50% this year.” — Kip Herridge (49:41)
• Humanizing Moments:
  • Trump’s direct call inviting the Olympic hockey team to the State of the Union (32:33)
  • Discussion over Cash Patel celebrating alongside Olympic champions (34:09–34:38)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Cartels/National Security: 01:58–17:19
• Political Disrespect & State of the Union: 19:19–35:51
• California Gubernatorial Race: 41:10–46:14
• Investing/Economy Segment: 49:33–54:03

Summary of Tone and Style

Stinchfield’s tone is blunt, confrontational, and highly partisan, blending urgent warnings (“we cannot allow this to happen”) with populist appeals. Guests are used to reinforce narrative points. The language is direct and often emotional, using vivid anecdotes and explicit calls for policy and action (e.g., military intervention against cartels).

For New Listeners

This episode is a top-to-bottom example of conservative populist podcasting:

• It delivers alarmist but detailed takes on U.S. national security with a focus on cross-border threats.
• It lambasts Democratic politicians for both policy and perceived disrespect.
• Guests range from border security experts to political outsiders and investment advisors, all generally backing the host’s perspectives or offering reformist viewpoints.
• There’s a strong running thread of “America’s revival”—militarily, economically, and symbolically—with President Trump’s leadership as the catalyst.

Listeners will leave with a clear understanding of the host’s view of the world, urgent policy debates, and trends to watch—plus a few stock tips and political horse race updates.