Podcast Summary: Truth in the Barrel – "This Week Unfiltered 04.17.25"

Hosts: Amy McGrath & Denver Riggleman
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Website: www.TruthintheBarrel.com

1. Introduction and Whiskey Appreciation (00:00 – 03:32)

Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman kick off the episode with their signature blend of patriotism, political discourse, and a mutual love for whiskey. Amy introduces the episode by highlighting pressing issues such as government actions and the SAVE Act, setting the stage for an unfiltered discussion.

• Whiskey Highlight:
  Amy: “What am I sipping today? Okay, this is Green River. Green River, Kentucky straight rye whiskey...” (01:04)

• Notable Banter:
  Denver humorously refers to himself as an “international man of the flu” due to a sore throat, adding a lighthearted touch to the conversation.
  Denver: “International man of the flu that I'm getting over. So I apologize for my voice...” (00:32)

2. The SAVE Act: A Critical Examination (03:32 – 15:30)

The hosts delve deep into the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), dissecting its implications and the motivations behind its introduction.

• Overview of the SAVE Act:
  Amy: “The full name of it is called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. It’s one of these things that the Republicans are trying to push under the political umbrella of trying to stop undocumented immigrants from voting...” (04:10)

• Critique of Legislative Intent:
  Denver criticizes Representative Chip Roy's motives, suggesting the act is more about aligning with Trumpian conspiracies than genuine voter protection.
  Denver: “Chip Roy is not putting in this bill to save America... He’s putting in this bill to support conspiratorial notions of a stolen election.” (05:10)

• Impact on Voters, Especially Married Women:
  Amy: “Anyone registering to vote or changing their registration must appear in person at an election office with a valid US Passport... That’s going to make it extraordinarily difficult for married women who have changed their names.” (07:54)

  Denver: “If you are a woman military spouse who took her husband's last name, don't ever expect to vote again.” (09:41)

• Broader Implications:
  The hosts discuss how the SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions, particularly rural voters and married women, undermining the democratic process.

3. Deportation Case Study: Kilmar Abrego Garcia (15:30 – 23:00)

Amy and Denver examine the controversial deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, highlighting issues of due process and governmental overreach.

• Legal Concerns:
  Amy: “This is about being an American. Remember innocent until proven guilty... This man was not charged with anything. Our government nabbed him and threw him in a foreign torture prison camp with no due process.” (19:30)

• Political Ramifications:
  Denver argues that such actions erode trust in the government and set dangerous precedents for future deportations without proper legal procedures.
  Denver: “Our constitution and due process is what separates us from the animals and the autocrats. If we let that go, we're screwed.” (22:58)

• International Relations:
  The conversation touches on the strained relationship with El Salvador and the questionable motives behind such deportations, suggesting possible backdoor deals and corruption.
  Denver: “There's a quid pro quo going on here with money and favors changing hands.” (19:03)

4. U.S. Negotiations with Iran: Challenges and Concerns (23:00 – 38:42)

The hosts discuss President Donald Trump's efforts to renegotiate the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, expressing skepticism about the appointed negotiator's competence and the administration's strategy.

• Trump's Iran Strategy:
  Amy: “Donald Trump should have never undermined the 2015 Iran deal... Now Iran is further ahead in getting a nuclear weapon.” (27:19)

• Critique of Appointees:
  Denver criticizes Ambassador Witkoff’s qualifications, likening him to Jared Kushner and expressing doubts about his effectiveness in negotiations.
  Denver: “He’s only been studying this issue for the past three weeks... I’m going to call him Witless Cough.” (28:53)

• Technical Challenges of Nuclear Negotiations:
  Amy: “Iran's nuclear program involves enriching uranium through centrifuges, making it difficult to dismantle through bombing alone. Destroying centrifuges may only offer temporary relief.” (37:22)

• Historical Context:
  The conversation references the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its shortcomings, arguing for a more robust and enforceable agreement.
  Denver: “The JCPOA is no longer in existence. We need something enforceable.” (31:25)

5. Rapid Fire Segment: Current Events and Opinions (38:44 – 48:39)

In a dynamic rapid-fire section, Amy and Denver tackle various hot-button issues, offering quick, candid opinions.

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Oval Office Visit:
  Denver: “If she starts with bullshit, instead of hiding in the corner, she should just walk out.” (39:18)

• CIA Director's Deleted Messages:
  Amy: “Deleting Signal messages is a breach of the National Records Act and demands investigation.” (40:56)

• Office of the Secretary of Defense Leaks:
  Denver: “Hiring incompetence leads to incompetence. Seeing officials removed is a positive sign.” (43:06)

• U.S. Stance on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine:
  Denver: “We should condemn Vladimir Putin for attacking Ukraine. It’s insane to support Russia.” (46:14)

6. Closing Remarks and Toasts (48:09 – 48:39)

The episode wraps up with the hosts raising a glass to U.S. District Judge James Boasberg for his actions against the Trump administration, emphasizing their commitment to justice and constitutional principles.

• Toast to Judge Boasberg:
  Amy: “Raise a glass to U.S. District Judge James Boasberg for opening criminal contempt proceedings against the Trump administration.” (47:07)
  Denver: “Cheers to old Jimmy B. True American.” (47:34)

• Final Thoughts:
  Denver expresses enjoyment of the episode and encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with the show’s content.
  Denver: “Make sure you subscribe to Truth in the Barrel. Cheers to our listeners.” (48:12)

Notable Quotes:

• Amy McGrath (02:05): “Whiskey without regrets... the official whiskey of the United States Marine Hospital back in the late 1800s.”

• Denver Riggleman (06:41): “Legislation based on fantasy and conspiracy theories is being pushed into the American public to save us from something that doesn’t happen.”

• Amy McGrath (12:43): “You want to screw over married women voting in this country? How about we make anyone, I don't know, wanting to buy a gun, show their passport and birth certificate?”

• Denver Riggleman (23:11): “When you have so much incompetence, when everybody wants to be famous instead of worrying about the country, you get pure insanity.”

Conclusion:

In this episode of "Truth in the Barrel," Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman provide a sharp, unfiltered analysis of current political issues, from the controversial SAVE Act to international deportation policies and U.S.-Iran relations. Their candid conversations, underpinned by a shared passion for patriotism and constitutional integrity, offer listeners a comprehensive and engaging perspective on the pressing matters facing America today.