Verdict with Ted Cruz – Episode 100 Summary

Release Date: December 23, 2021
Episode Title: Episode 100
Host: Ted Cruz with Michael Knowles

1. Celebrating a Milestone and the Holiday Season

In the milestone 100th episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosts Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles celebrate both the show's longevity and the Christmas season. The hosts reflect on the journey of the podcast, reminiscing about its humble beginnings and its rapid rise to popularity.

Ted Cruz shares his excitement about reaching this significant number of episodes:

“When we sat down January almost two years ago... and within weeks, we're the number one podcast in the world.”
(05:04)

Michael Knowles admits his initial skepticism:

“I was a little skeptical that you were gonna beat Joe Rogan on the podcast charts... it's been going for two years, and that is now.”
(05:57)

2. The Impact of Black Lives Matter on Christmas Traditions

A substantial portion of the episode delves into the controversial stance of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement regarding Christmas traditions. The hosts discuss allegations that BLM is encouraging a boycott of "White Christmas," reframing the classic song to promote purchasing exclusively from Black-owned businesses.

Liz Wheeler clarifies misconceptions:

“They are calling for a boycott of a white Christmas, meaning they don't want anybody to purchase any Christmas gifts from white-owned businesses...”
(08:17)

Ted Cruz critiques the movement:

“Black Lives Matter is a racist organization... Microsoft, Amazon... literally funding an organization calling on you to boycott their own business.”
(11:58)

The discussion underscores the tension between traditional holiday celebrations and contemporary socio-political movements, highlighting concerns about racial discrimination and economic implications.

3. Sharing Family Christmas Traditions and Memories

The hosts transition to a more personal segment, sharing their favorite Christmas traditions and memories, emphasizing the importance of family and cultural heritage.

Ted Cruz recounts his Cuban family's vibrant Christmas gatherings:

“We play dominoes every Christmas. The dominoes games are vigorous. Our hoops games are taunting. It is a family with a lot of fun and a lot of good-natured grief all around.”
(25:00)

Michael Knowles shares a unique family memory involving a gift that bridged cultural gaps:

“My grandmother agreed to buy a sitar... she emerges wearing a full Indian sari... presents me with this sitar.”
(30:32)

Liz Wheeler reminisces about her childhood unicycling adventures:

“I taught myself how to ride it. We would ride in parades, ride our unicycles in parades, calling ourselves the three one wheelers.”
(31:28)

These anecdotes highlight diverse cultural practices and the joy of creating enduring family memories during the holiday season.

4. Engaging the Audience: Giveaways and Interactive Goals

To commemorate the 100th episode, the hosts introduce several interactive segments aimed at engaging their audience through giveaways and participation incentives.

Liz Wheeler announces the first giveaway:

“15 random people who leave comments on this episode... will get a free box of signed merch.”
(22:00)

She also introduces a challenge to reach 50,000 Apple Podcasts reviews by January 21st, offering listeners the chance to influence future content:

“People can vote on whether Ted wears a Braves jersey, an arm wrestling match between Michael and Ted, a guest appearance by the cactus, or a mutual roast episode.”
(32:05)

Ted Cruz emphasizes the importance of listener support:

“We gotta get to 50,000 by January 21st... please, let’s do this.”
(38:05)

These initiatives are designed to foster community involvement, reward loyal listeners, and expand the podcast's reach.

5. Concluding Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their gratitude to their listeners for reaching the 100-episode milestone. They extend warm holiday wishes and encourage continued support through ratings, reviews, and participation in giveaways.

Ted Cruz concludes with heartfelt thanks:

“We wish everyone a very merry Christmas. From me, from Liz, from Senator Cruz, most importantly, from the Cactus.”
(39:57)

Liz Wheeler promotes the merchandise sale:

“Use the promo code Santa, then you will get 20% off the entire shop between now and Christmas.”
(39:57)

The episode ends on a festive note, celebrating both the holiday spirit and the strong community built around the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz on Podcast Growth:
  “When we sat down January almost two years ago... and within weeks, we're the number one podcast in the world.”
  (05:04)

• Michael Knowles on Early Skepticism:
  “I was a little skeptical that you were gonna beat Joe Rogan on the podcast charts.”
  (05:57)

• Liz Wheeler on BLM's Boycott Efforts:
  “They are calling for a boycott of a white Christmas... they only want to buy from black-owned businesses.”
  (08:17)

• Ted Cruz on BLM's Racism:
  “Black Lives Matter is a racist organization... Amazon cutting a check to an organization saying, don't order from Amazon.”
  (11:58)

• Ted Cruz on Family Traditions:
  “We play dominoes every Christmas. The dominoes games are vigorous.”
  (25:00)

• Michael Knowles on His Sitar Story:
  “There was one year... my grandmother presents me with this sitar.”
  (30:32)

• Liz Wheeler on Christmas Traditions:
  “A lot of fun and a lot of good-natured grief all around.”
  (25:00)

• Ted Cruz on Listener Support:
  “Please, let's do this.”
  (38:05)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, personal anecdotes, and interactive elements of Verdict with Ted Cruz's 100th episode, providing listeners with a clear overview of the episode's content and highlights.