Ben Kissel Politics

Ben Answers phone calls from viewers. If you'd like to call in to leave us a message, please ring us at: 323-515-9095

Ben talks about the Met Gala, Elon Musk's data center plans, the Alabama prison system, and flock cameras.If you'd like to call in to leave us a message, please ring us at: 323-515-9095

Ben talks about Dolphins being trained to drag mines in water warfare, the US aid in the Israel Iran war, and how data centers are affecting those who live around them.If you'd like to call in to leave us a message, please ring us at: 323-515-9095

Ben discusses the aftermath of the White House correspondent's dinner. If you'd like to call in to leave us a message, please ring us at: 323-515-9095

Ben discusses the news of there being a shooter at the White House correspondent's dinner. If you'd like to call in to leave us a message ring us at: 323-515-9095

Ben discusses Kash Patel's drunken past, Hollywood elite fundraising, a college student being arrested for making a joke, and A.I. data centers messing up the lives of those who live near them..Exciting news, we just launched a voicemail if anyone would like to leave us a message to play on air. Let us know if you have any hot takes on the stories we cover or anything else you think we should hear about. .Call the Hail Yourself Hotline at: 323-515-9095

Ben talks about aliens, the government, and the government talking about aliens.

Ben Talks about Bryon Noem, updates in the Middle East, Trump alienating his religious following, and a man who was so sick of shit he burned down a toilet paper factory.

Ben discusses Hunter Biden's new fighting ambitions, updates to the conflict in Iran, and Melania Trump discussing Epstein.

Ben discusses the new White House ballroom hiding an underground bunker, reveals more details of Bryon Noem's kink, and how corporations are trying to make artificial meat something they can copyright.

Ben talks about potential 2028 US presidential candidates, the ongoing "conflict" in Iran and Israel.

Ben talks about Melania Trump spearheading AI and robotic development in the white house, using AI to kill people with the Maven system, and high school ICE volunteers.

Ben talks about old people wanting happy hour in assisted living facilities in Minnesota, potentially questionable political candidates, Facebook using AI after you die, and the FBI training with the UFC.

Ben talks about Trump's religious advisors and the recent discussion of UFOs/Aliens by politicians.

Ben talks about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) training, detention centers, and surveillance in America.

Ben talks about the conflict in Iran and Israel's influence on the USA's global politics. We also say goodbye to Kyle and introduce Louis as the new podcast producer.

Episode 62 delves into the wild world of the Epstein fallout-- is Bill Gates really as dorky as the public was lead to believe? Is Jeffrey Epstein Lucifer himself? And how dumb are the elites really? (Hint: dumber than you think!)

We start by paying homage to the late, great Catherine O'Hara before moving on to celebrities in office, Jon Stewart taking his hat out of the ring, Minnesota's apple cider attack and Don Lemon getting the headlines he's always wanted.

Episode 60 covers the political and media reaction to the killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, growing scrutiny of overcrowded and understaffed ICE detention centers, as well as leadership changes and backlash as protests intensify and lawmakers push for accountability.

Episode 59 explores how nuance has disappeared from modern discourse, the dangerous consequences of echo chambers, and Paris Hilton speaking out about the trauma of AI-driven sexploitation. A conversation about lost context, amplified harm, and the cost of living in a world that refuses complexity.

Episode 58 covers the World Economic Summit and its replacement-theory optics, the danger of activist groups putting people in harm’s way, Don Lemon being insufferable, and the U.S. floating a Greenland takeover with zero negotiation.

Episode 57 of Ben Kissel Politics welcomes 2026 with new laws across the country as well as delving into the sticky world of regime change and the outright jacking of international resources.

In the final episode of 2025, RFK Jr. sells the public on the emotional and physical power of “god-given breastmilk,” Trump falsely claims Rob Reiner died of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and Nicolás Maduro sings “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as his country’s assets are seized: it's giving Jonestown vibes.

In episode 55, Ben Kissel Politics covers a scam of epic proportions-- the Dollar General mislabeling prices in an effort to squeeze the most financially vulnerable among us, Donal Trump's wax statue in Texas had to be taken down after residents could not stop attacking it, and Australia implements it's first youth social media ban.

Trump wins the first FIFA Peace Prize and says America should rename football, Kristi Noem releases a self-deportation hype video set to “Celebrate,” and data centers keep pulling in hundreds of billions in taxpayer funding despite voters rejecting them.

Trump warns Venezuela and Nigeria that war is coming if they don’t comply, Pete Hegseth and Admiral Bradley admit they ordered second strikes to kill narco-terrorist targets overseas, and we run through the rest of the week’s most unsettling headlines.

Trump praises Browns QB Sanders’ “good genes,” the ShamWow guy runs for office in Texas, a Boston suburb cuts trash pickup to twice a month to save the planet, and a Campbell’s executive confesses their food is for poor people and the meat is 3D-printed.

Episode 51 breaks down one of the most unintentionally hilarious political stunts of the decade: MAGA activists declaring a “Patriots at the Park” day at Disneyland in February 2026, proving once again that nothing says “take down a liberal corporation” like giving it hundreds of thousands of dollars in ticket and churro sales.We also cover the surprisingly warm meeting between Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump, where the two praised each other after months of a very public feud — turning political enemies into temporary soulmates.And we look at the increasingly absurd spectacle surrounding the Epstein file release, which has devolved into a full-blown circus of leaks, rumors, infighting, and grandstanding.

Episode 50 covers the U.S. dropping programs that helped travelers during holiday flight delays, the border turning away immigrants with medical issues to avoid “taxpayer burden,” and Bob Ross’ corporate handlers selling off his artwork to support media companies hit hard after Trump's financial policies.

Rep. Grijalva gets sworn in and becomes the tie-breaking vote to release the Epstein files, Kristi Noem denies Americans are being detained and then abruptly bails on her own press conference, and Donald Trump claims groceries are down 25% under his watch. We break down the vote, the denial, and the math that doesn’t exist.

In this episode of Ben Kissel Politics we discuss the longest government shutdown in history coming to an end while Donald Trump gets booed at an NFL regular season game in Landover, Maryland.

In Bangor, Maine, a woman convicted of killing a Canadian tourist in 2002 has just been elected to the city council—leaving locals unsure how to react and raising questions about redemption, accountability and public trust. In Florida, a politician and his activist wife were involved in a three-way that went wrong, and now they’re trending after winning a lawsuit against the police in Sarasota—a bizarre turn that blends scandal, civil rights and viral culture. Meanwhile, in Marin County, California, a town has banned tobacco sales and use of any kind, turning its municipality into one of the strictest anti-smoking zones in America.

NYC’s mayoral results shake up the skyline, Rosie O’Donnell revisits 9/11 doubts, Dick Cheney dies at 84, and Gavin Newsom declares he “hates lying politicians.”

The NYC mayoral race heats up, a state senate seat gets tangled in a sextortion scandal, and “evolving priorities” become the corporate code for mass layoffs

Bob Dylan reminds us that truth still matters, Nancy Pelosi says the quiet part out loud about smear tactics, Jared Kushner pitches his master plan for developing Gaza, and Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions take a surreal turn.

NYC’s mayoral debate highlights another identity battle for the city, Curtis Sliwa refuses to step aside after pressure from Andrew Cuomo, and we take a hard look at the danger of AI being run by people who don’t have much faith in humanity to begin with.

NYC’s mayoral debate highlights another identity battle for the city, Curtis Sliwa refuses to step aside after pressure from Andrew Cuomo, and we take a hard look at the danger of AI being run by people who don’t have much faith in humanity to begin with.

Congresswoman Grijalva pushes back against Speaker Mike Johnson’s delay in seating her, George Santos may make a comeback from the jailhouse to the White House, and AIPAC’s influence tightens its grip on both parties.

In this episode of Ben Kissel Politics, we tackle a trio of stories that span the domestic and the global. First: former Congressman George Santos, convicted of fraud and identity theft, sees his sentence commuted by Donald Trump—raising questions about loyalty, justice, and the limits of presidential mercy.Next: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issues alarming claims that teenage boys now have far lower sperm counts and testosterone levels, sounding the alarm on fertility and urging government-driven responses.Finally: the U.S., under Trump, escalates toward military action near Venezuela—labeling cartels as terrorists, authorizing CIA covert operations, and deploying war-power in the Caribbean.

Tonight on Ben Kissel Politics, we’re mixing surveillance, rebellion, and a little unintentional comedy.A high school has implemented a digital bathroom security system that allows students only seven bathroom trips a week, proving that the surveillance state now extends all the way to the restroom.Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene is making waves by going against her own party, adding another twist to her already chaotic political persona.And across the globe, Donald Trump took the stage in Israel and delivered what can only be described as a stand-up routine, at one point even suggesting that Bibi Netanyahu should be pardoned. It’s part rally, part bit, and fully bizarre.It’s bathroom monitoring, party mutiny, and international improv—all in one episode.

On today’s Ben Kissel Politics, we bounce between some of the strangest headlines of the week.Donald Trump wants to prosecute flag burners, pushing the idea of jail time for anyone who lights up Old Glory—because nothing says “freedom” like punishing political expression.Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene continues to weigh in on healthcare, and somehow every sentence sounds like a Facebook comment thread that got out of hand.And then there’s RFK Jr., who claimed that circumcisions increase the likelihood of autism because doctors gave babies Tylenol. It’s the kind of theory that makes you wish there were fact-checkers in the delivery room.It’s flags, foreskins, and fringe theories—all thrown into one political blender.

Tuesday’s Ben Kissel Politics episode takes us from Moscow bedrooms to American highways.We look at how sexploitation has been a key driver in Vladimir Putin’s political success, blending propaganda, spectacle, and sexualized power plays to shape his image at home and abroad.Meanwhile, Donald Trump claims he knows nothing about Ghislaine Maxwell or her denied appeal but adds that he might “look into” possibly pardoning her—or not. Classic Trump: hedging every direction at once.And back here in the U.S., science confirms that political bumper stickers actually make road rage incidents worse. Turns out your “Don’t Tread on Me” decal might be doing more than just decorating your tailgate.

On today’s Ben Kissel Politics, we dig into a mess of headlines that only get stranger when you put them side by side.The Israeli government has reportedly been paying tech companies to push propaganda claiming Palestinians have “never been happier.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump encouraged border agents, law enforcement, and the military to beat protesters if they feel provoked—a policy that sounds more like fight club than democracy.And then there’s Pete Hegseth, proudly admitting he hasn’t washed his hands in twenty years while calling our military slobs. Because nothing screams credibility like a man who thinks soap is fake news.It’s misinformation, militarization, and a hygiene meltdown—all in one episode, all out of order, and all served with a healthy side of sarcasm.

This Friday on Ben Kissel Politics, we unpack a news cycle that somehow manages to include Pokémon, Theo Von, Donald Trump, and Charlie Kirk.First, Kristi Noem is in hot water for rolling out a Department of Homeland Security ad that featured Theo Von and Pokémon characters—without permission. Turns out, copyright infringement is still a thing, even if you’re in politics.Then we head to New York, where Donald Trump had a rough go at the United Nations, stumbling through a meeting where world leaders weren’t exactly buying what he was selling.And finally, in Oklahoma, the state announced that every high school will host a Turning Point USA chapter in memory of Charlie Kirk. Because when you think of extracurriculars, you think debate team, chess club, and nationwide political indoctrination.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday’s Ben Kissel Politics opens with a 1985 speech from John Denver, reminding us that when information is hidden from the public, curiosity only grows. That idea frames a conversation about what happens when politics and performance take over spaces meant for sincerity.We look at the odd spectacle of Charlie Kirk’s funeral, where many speakers used the podium less to eulogize and more to push their own political messages or promote their brands. What should have been a farewell often felt like a rally.And in one of the most unsettling turns, a pastor used AI to recreate Charlie Kirk’s voice, projecting the idea that Charlie demands people: “Do not mourn me for one second because I am in heaven.” It raised questions about authenticity, technology, and how far people are willing to go to make a point.It’s a journey from Denver’s warning to a modern media circus—proving that the more politics hijacks our grief, the more we should all stop and ask: who is this really for?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This weekend on Ben Kissel Politics, we put the spotlight on Pastor James David Manning and what might be the best political ad of our lifetime.We also unpack the continuing fallout from the suspensions and scandals of Jimmy Kimmel now featuring Tucker Carlson, and what their situations say about media, censorship, and the culture wars still raging on our screens.And finally, we close with a simple but crucial point: words are not violence. Words are words, and violence is violence. Conflating the two may make for good outrage clicks, but it’s a dangerous way to run a society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Thursday on Ben Kissel Politics, we dive into the growing storm around free speech in America—and how it’s being selectively protected, punished, and paraded around for political gain.We break down Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension from ABC, what it says about corporate skittishness, and how late-night comedy has become the latest battleground in the culture war.Then we explore how a Trump-appointed FCC has been weaponizing speech regulations, using them less to defend free expression and more to police it—especially when it threatens their political allies.And finally, we meet the ultimate political wildcard: Pastor James David Manning, who is somehow mounting a mayoral run in New York City. Against all odds—and probably against his better judgment—he’s taking his pulpit to the polls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Ben Kissel Politics, we break down the online circus surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk.Within minutes, the news became a Rorschach test for social media: some are grieving, some are cheering, and some are furious that anyone is cheering. The algorithm rewarded outrage like it was a national sport, turning a human death into another round of digital mud wrestling.We dig into the echo chambers that shape these reactions, the conspiracy theories already blooming in the comment sections, and the media literacy desperately missing from the discourse.And maybe—just maybe—we ask everyone to step away from the timeline, breathe some air, and touch some actual grass. Because if your first instinct to tragedy is “post,” it might be time to go outside and remember how to be a person again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Ben Kissel Politics, the news cycle reads like a surrealist play.Pete Hegseth decided to announce the mission of the newly rebranded Department of War not with a statement, but with a kind of spoken-word poem—because nothing says military might like snapping fingers in the Pentagon.Meanwhile, Greta Thunberg takes climate activism literally into the fire with her flaming flotilla, proving that protest at sea doesn’t always stay afloat quietly.On the campaign trail, Donald Trump insists that anything on video that makes him look bad is simply AI trickery. According to this logic, deepfakes have been haunting him since the ‘80s.And finally, Epstein’s victims are speaking out—vowing to release the names of their political abusers while military jets fly overhead, a scene so cinematic it could only be real life.It’s poetry, pyrotechnics, and political paranoia—served with the usual side of sarcasm and disbelief.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Ben Kissel Politics, we open the floor to a live Q&A and tackle a grab bag of political curveballs.First up, Donald Trump floats the idea of rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War, proving once again that subtlety is not his strong suit.Meanwhile, in a plot twist no one had on their bingo card, the NRA is backing the trans community after a floated proposal to ban gun sales to trans people.And finally, we dig into the eyebrow-raising claim that Trump has been an FBI informant in the Epstein case for decades. If true, that would mean one of the most chaotic figures in American politics was also moonlighting as a snitch.It’s rebrands, rights, and rumors—all wrapped in a conversation that proves politics is stranger than fiction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.