Podcast Summary: The World and Everything In It

Episode: President Trump’s Meeting with Mamdani, Violence in Nigeria, and Review of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Date: November 26, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay Mast, Nick Icker | Contributors: Kent Covington, Hunter Baker, Colin Garbarino, Onize Adua, John Wilsey

Episode Overview

This episode of The World and Everything In It delivers an in-depth exploration of three major topics:

• President Trump’s surprising Oval Office meeting with New York City Mayor-Elect Soran Mamdani.
• The latest developments in religious violence and persecution in Nigeria, with a focus on attacks against Christians.
• A review of the third "Knives Out" movie, Wake Up Dead Man, and its portrayal of faith and religion.

Listeners are also treated to thoughtful commentary on affordability politics, military legal controversies, and the backstory of a classic hymn.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Washington Wednesday: Trump-Mamdani Meeting & Affordability Politics

[05:56 – 14:50]

The Unexpected Trump-Mamdani Meeting

• President Trump hosted New York City Mayor-elect Soran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, in the Oval Office.

• The meeting was unexpectedly amicable, despite previous public antagonism:

  • Trump had previously supported Andrew Cuomo over Mamdani, saying, “If it's going to be between a bad Democrat and a Communist, I'm going to pick the bad Democrat all the time.” (Lindsay Mast quoting Trump, 06:20)
  • Mamdani, on election night:

    “So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” (Hunter Baker quoting Mamdani, 06:55)

• Press Secretary Caroline Levitt called Mamdani a "communist" but said Trump is "willing to meet with anyone." Despite anticipation of conflict, Trump offered support:

  “We're going to be helping him to make everybody's dream come true, having a strong and very safe New York. And congratulations, Mr. Matthew.” (Donald Trump, 07:38)

Political Analysis (with Hunter Baker)

• Baker, political scientist, sees the meeting as an example of Trump’s non-ideological, pragmatic approach, especially regarding his New York identity:

  “He is much less ideological and much more instinctive... Trump does respect somebody who has what it takes to win the fight.” (Hunter Baker, 08:18)

• Trump appeared open to Mamdani changing his views on affordability and city governance:

  “I mean, he's got views that are a little out there, but who knows?... We all change. I change a lot from when I first came to office. It's now quite a while ago... I feel very confident that he can do a very good job.” (Trump, 09:46)

• Baker believes Trump’s close connection to New York drives his approach, and both men face significant challenges on affordability. Baker questions Mamdani’s practical plans, calling them the “wishing makes it so stage.” He cautions Trump against "gaslighting" on economic realities.

Affordability & Political Messaging

• Discussion shifts to broader affordability politics, referencing recent TV interviews with Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, who claims affordability is improving:

  “Focus instead on the whole cost of living picture.” (Nick Icker summarizing Besant, 13:28)

• Baker remains skeptical:

  “There's something that is very instinctive about the way that we react to prices... As long as we're in that phase where the prices just don't seem right relative to what we're used to, politicians are going to struggle with that.” (Hunter Baker, 13:40)

2. Military Orders Controversy & Legal Standards

[14:50 – 18:48]

Inquiry into Senator Mark Kelly & The "Illegal Orders" Video

• The Pentagon launched an inquiry after a video featuring Sen. Mark Kelly and five other Democratic veterans told military members they could and should refuse illegal orders.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the message “despicable and reckless,” while Trump labeled it “seditious,” noting sedition carries a death penalty.
• The video repeatedly states:

  “You can refuse illegal orders... You must refuse illegal orders.” (Senators in video, 15:49–15:57)

Analysis with Hunter Baker

• Baker contextualizes the military oath to the Constitution, not to individuals, but questions the timing and intent of the video:

  “I'm a little bit worried that what we have coming from these Democrat politicians is a desire to set up resistance to Donald Trump.” (Hunter Baker, 17:08) “Everything I have seen is that the politicians who are sort of challenged on this point don't really want to say [what illegal orders would be]. Which tells me that it's more like they're playing into a narrative...” (Hunter Baker, 17:08)

• No clear precedent exists for recalling a retired officer solely for political speech.

3. Legal Update: FBI and NY Attorney General Indictments

[19:04 – 20:28]

• A federal judge tossed out indictments of former FBI director James Comey and NY Attorney General Letitia James, which Trump had promoted.
• The dismissals were based on procedural grounds (improper appointment of the U.S. attorney) and were “without prejudice”—meaning charges could be refiled.

  “They've been kind of dealt with on the technical question, but the substantive question is still there...” (Hunter Baker, 19:34)

4. World Tour: Violence and Persecution in Nigeria

[21:29 – 26:12] | Reporter: Onize Adua

Surge in Attacks

• Widespread violence and religious persecution, especially against Christians and minority Muslim communities.

• Recent atrocities include:

  • Attack on Christ Apostolic Church; at least three killed, dozens abducted, later rescued.
  • Abduction of more than 300 children from St. Mary's School in Niger State.
  • Attacks in Kebbi and Kaduna States, including murders and kidnappings of teachers and religious leaders.

• Insurgents killed Brigadier General Musa Uba—the highest-ranking military official killed in the years-long conflict.

International Response

• President Trump classified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” threatening possible military action if authorities fail to halt attacks.

• Nigerian officials deny religious persecution, framing the violence as regional terrorism.

• The U.S. and the UN have increased diplomatic and potentially economic and military pressure.

  “This is not random violence. This is genocide, wearing the mask of chaos.” (US Ambassador Mike Waltz, 24:47)

• U.S. measures may include sanctions and increased counterterrorism support.

Advocacy Perspective

• Sean Nelson (ADF International) calls for an end to impunity and greater protection for at-risk communities:

  “Making sure the impunity for attackers ends...really put pressure on the Nigerian government to make those tangible steps.” (Sean Nelson, 25:48)

5. Arts & Culture: Review of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

[27:32 – 33:05] | Reviewer: Colin Garbarino

Movie Overview

• Third film in Rian Johnson’s murder-mystery series, centering on a murder in a small-town Catholic church.
• Explores themes of faith, skepticism, and religious leadership.
• Main roles: Father Judd (Josh O’Connor), Monsignor Wicks (Josh Brolin), Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig).

Tone and Religious Exploration

• The film tries to examine faith:

  “Director Rian Johnson keeps the tone as quirky as ever, but this time around he tries to incorporate questions of faith into his whodunit.” (Garbarino, 28:07)

• Varied perspectives: Wicks depicted as the “bad” religious leader; Judd as the “good” spiritual guide advocating forgiveness.

• Reviewer’s critique:

  “Despite his upbringing, he doesn't really understand the thing he's writing about. The movie portrays religious experience as a strange dichotomy lacking nuance. It's either about control or some subjective feeling. Don't expect an accurate explanation of the gospel.” (Garbarino, 30:33)

Film Content and Recommendation

• First in the series rated PG-13, not more family-friendly.
• Praises the central mystery but finds the secondary subplot nonsensical.
• Conclusion for fans:

  “If you're a Benoit Blanc fan, you would probably be happier queuing up the original this holiday season.” (Garbarino, 32:50)

6. Hymn Commentary: “Now Thank We All Our God”

[33:13 – 37:34] | John Wilsey

• Wilsey recounts the background of this classic Thanksgiving hymn, penned by Martin Rinkert during the trauma of the Thirty Years’ War.
• The hymn’s spirit of gratitude is underscored by historical adversity.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “[Trump] is much less ideological and much more instinctive ... he respects winning.” — Hunter Baker, 08:18
• “I feel very confident that he can do a very good job. I think he's going to surprise some conservative people, actually, and some very liberal people.” — Donald Trump, 09:46
• “As long as we're in that phase where the prices just don't seem right ... politicians are going to struggle with that.” — Hunter Baker, 13:40
• “You can refuse illegal orders ... you must refuse illegal orders.” — Senators’ group video, 15:49–15:57
• “I'm a little bit worried ... this is more like they're playing into a narrative instead of trying to accomplish some sort of real objective.” — Hunter Baker, 17:08
• “This is not random violence. This is genocide, wearing the mask of chaos.” — Mike Waltz, US Ambassador (on Nigeria), 24:47
• “Despite his upbringing, [Johnson] doesn't really understand the thing he's writing about. ... Don’t expect an accurate explanation of the gospel.” — Colin Garbarino, 30:33
• “If you're a Benoit Blanc fan, you would probably be happier queuing up the original this holiday season.” — Colin Garbarino, 32:50

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump-Mamdani Meeting Analysis: 05:56–14:50
• Military Orders Controversy: 14:50–18:48
• Legal Update (Comey/James): 19:04–20:28
• Nigeria World Tour: 21:29–26:12
• Movie Review: 27:32–33:05
• Hymn Commentary: 33:13–37:34

This episode gives listeners a nuanced look at the intersection of politics, faith, and culture—anchored by original reporting and thoughtful critique. The conversation is candid, insightful, and accessible, making it an informative listen even for those who missed the recording.