Byline with Ben Dennis

The 2026 midterms are still months away, but the political fight for 2028 may already be taking shape.Will voters cast their ballots based on affordability, foreign policy, cultural issues, or frustration with Washington? Are Democrats building a message beyond opposition to President Trump? And what does the future of the Republican Party look like once Trump is no longer on the ballot?Political analyst and Randolph-Macon College professor Rich Meagher joins me to discuss the issues driving voters, why affordability remains one of the most powerful forces in American politics, and whether both parties are preparing for a post-Trump era.In this episode:• Why affordability continues to dominate political conversations• Whether Democrats are finding a message beyond anti-Trump politics• Signs some Republicans are beginning to distance themselves from Trump• Why younger voters may be looking for a new generation of leaders• Whether cultural issues still resonate with voters the way they once did• What the race for 2028 could look like before the 2026 midterms are even over• The role AI, technology, and economic uncertainty could play in future electionsWhat issue do you think will matter most to voters this November?

AI is changing how people find information, make decisions, and interact with technology.But what happens when it gets something wrong?Law professor and former Google trust and safety expert Jess Miers joins me to discuss AI liability, chatbot lawsuits, free speech, and the legal questions courts are being forced to answer in real time.

Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical.It’s already shaping how we search for information, communicate with coworkers, consume news, and increasingly how society functions behind the scenes.But as AI systems become more embedded into everyday life, a larger question is emerging:Who decides the rules?In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, Ben sits down with legal scholar and former Department of Justice attorney Alan Rozenshtein to explore whether America is entering a new constitutional era driven by artificial intelligence.The conversation examines:— whether democratic institutions can realistically keep pace with AI development— how executive power could expand alongside AI systems— the growing influence of private tech companies over public life— whether the Constitution is flexible enough to adapt to machine learning and algorithmic governance— and what kinds of legal guardrails Americans may ultimately demand — or rejectRozenshtein argues the Constitution was designed to survive periods of massive technological and political change. The founders never imagined AI chatbots, recommendation algorithms, or machine-generated speech.But they also never imagined electricity.So what happens when innovation moves faster than regulation?And if government fails to establish meaningful boundaries, are Americans comfortable allowing the people building these systems to increasingly shape the economy, culture, and flow of information themselves?As the United States approaches 250 years since its founding, this conversation asks a broader question:What technological guardrails are Americans willing to accept before AI becomes fully embedded into the next chapter of public life?#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Constitution #Technology #Politics #SamAltman #ElonMusk #AIGovernance #ExecutivePower #MachineLearning #BylineWithBenDennis

Is there such a thing as a fair election?This week on Byline, Penn State mathematics professor Andrea Boito joins me to unpack the hidden math behind democracy — from ranked-choice voting and the Electoral College to apportionment, strategic voting, and why mathematicians say a perfectly “fair” voting system may actually be impossible.We dive into the formulas and theories that shape how leaders are elected, why the same votes can produce different winners under different systems, and what Americans should understand before the next major election cycle.It’s a fascinating conversation about politics, power, and the numbers quietly deciding who wins.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

You open your phone. Within seconds, you’re scrolling—posts, videos, headlines, all arranged in a way that feels almost intuitive.But why that post? Why that video? Why that story—right now?In this episode, Ben Dennis speaks with Katie Harbath, former Facebook public policy director and CEO of Anchor Change, about how those decisions are made—and how quickly they’re changing.Because what shows up in your feed isn’t random.It’s shaped by signals—what you watch, what you skip, what you engage with, and what you don’t.But that’s only part of the story.As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in these systems, the process of deciding what you see is starting to shift—moving beyond simple recommendation into something more dynamic, and less visible.So what does that mean for what you’re seeing today?And what might it mean for what you see next?This conversation explores how platforms interpret behavior, why certain content rises, and how AI could reshape not just your feed—but how information itself is delivered.🎧 Listen to the full episode.

The missiles have flown. The ceasefire looks fragile. What happens if this conflict doesn’t stay overseas?How long could this fighting last?What happens to gas prices if it drags on?And what does it mean for Americans here at home?In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with retired U.S. Army Major General John Ferrari to go beyond the headlines and break down what’s actually happening—and what comes next.We get into what happens after strikes are launched… how prepared the U.S. really is for a prolonged conflict… and whether America is built for sustained warfare.Ferrari also explains a critical imbalance: the U.S. has to succeed on multiple fronts—military, strategic, and public perception—while an adversary may only need one to claim success.This isn’t about fear. It’s about understanding what comes next.Because while the conflict is happening thousands of miles away… the real question is what it means if it doesn’t stay there.

What does it actually take to protect the President of the United States?In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with Jeff James — a former Secret Service agent who spent more than two decades on protective detail — to discuss what it actually takes to protect the President of the United States.From the day-to-day volume of threats, to protecting foreign leaders, to how intelligence informs national security decisions, Jeff shares insight into a role that is often misunderstood.We also discuss how the U.S. tracks emerging threats — including weapons of mass destruction — and how decisions are made when information is incomplete or evolving.Key topics:-Life on a presidential protective detail-Common misconceptions about the Secret Service-How threats are identified and assessed-Protecting visiting world leaders-Intelligence and decision-making under pressure-Challenges in preventing large-scale threats🎧 Listen to the full episode and follow for more conversations that go beyond the headlines.⚡️ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadcastben📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadcastben/?hl=en🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/broadcastben_

Before the public ever hears about a U.S. strike, decisions have already been made inside the Pentagon.But the bigger question is: What happens next?As tensions rise with Iran, most coverage focuses on what just occurred — missiles launched, statements issued, retaliation promised. Inside the Defense Department, though, officials are already assessing risk, modeling escalation, and preparing for what the next 24 to 72 hours could bring.In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with Todd Huntley to walk through what unfolds behind closed doors before a strike — and the critical decisions that follow immediately after.We break down:• How strike options are developed• What intelligence and risk assessments shape military action• How leaders prepare for potential escalation• What signals policymakers watch in the hours after action• And the key questions Americans should be asking right nowBecause the real story isn’t just about what happened.It’s about what that decision sets in motion.If you want to understand not only today’s headline — but what may come next — this conversation helps you think ahead.🎙️ Byline with Ben Dennis focuses on why stories matter — and what they may lead to next.Subscribe for weekly conversations designed to make you smarter about what’s coming.

Who do you trust — and why?Is trust built on facts?On tone?On whether someone reinforces what you already believe?This week on Byline, I talk with Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to Dr. Jill Biden, about how trust is built, protected, and sometimes tested inside the White House.We unpack how messaging decisions are made, how influence travels from Washington to everyday Americans, and what campaigns are really trying to measure when they speak.Michael and I both grew up in rural Pennsylvania — which made for an honest conversation about how power in D.C. connects (or doesn’t) with people outside the Beltway.No partisan decoder ring.Just a deeper look at how communication works.New episodes every week.

Politics feels louder. Angrier. More exhausting.In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with political communication expert Peter Loge to unpack why outrage motivates voters, why affordability dominates elections, and how leadership rhetoric can either calm a nation or escalate distrust.We discuss:• Why anger drives political incentives• The racist AI depiction of the Obamas and leadership accountability• Immigration messaging and voter punishment• America’s global standing• And one simple strategy both parties should adopt before the midterms: fix stuff.If politics feels broken, this conversation explains why — and what could change

⚠️ This is a featured segment from Monday’s full episode of Byline with Ben Dennis. For full context and the complete conversation, watch or listen to the entire interview.In this excerpt, we examine the impact of racist political imagery — including depictions of former President Obama — and the broader question of leadership and responsibility in American politics.Do presidents set the tone for how Americans treat one another?We discuss:​The ethical boundaries of political communication​How racist imagery shapes public discourse​Whether presidential rhetoric influences everyday behavior​What accountability looks like in a polarized climate​How Americans can engage more constructively — online and in personThis conversation focuses on facts, responsibility, and the real-world consequences of tone and leadership.🎧 Full episode available here: [INSERT LINK]🎙 Subscribe to Byline with Ben Dennis for weekly conversations that go beyond the headlines.#PoliticalCommunication #PresidentialLeadership #CivilDiscourse #RaceInAmerica #MediaEthics #BylineWithBenDennis

Is it AI? Is it legit?Those are questions many of us ask while scrolling TikTok and Instagram—often after a video has already been shared thousands of times.In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I talk with Tracee Stanford of the News Literacy Project, who works with educators nationwide to help students learn what information can be trusted—and how to verify it for themselves.We recorded this conversation during News Literacy Week, at a moment when AI-generated content is spreading faster and becoming harder to spot. Tracee draws on her background in local news and media literacy work in underserved communities to break down the real challenges students face online today.In this episode, we discuss:How students are encountering misinformationWhy media ethics still matter in an algorithm-driven worldPractical ways educators and parents can help young people think critically about what they see onlineSubscribe for free (yes, free) for new posts and episodes that question tomorrow’s headlines.🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode of Byline with Ben Dennis now.

Dive into the complexities of press freedom with Ben Dennis and legal expert Anna Diakun, an attorney with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Discover the challenges citizens and journalists face today, and the impact of social media algorithms on free speech.The conversation covers a range of topics; delving into the First Amendment, the role of influencers, government accountability, and the challenges faced by journalists in the current media landscape.#PressFreedom #Journalism #FreeSpeech

Join Ben Dennis for a conversation with Jesse Rodriguez, Vice President of Editorial and Booking at MS NOW, examining how news organizations are adapting to changes in how audiences consume information—and how editorial decisions shape what viewers ultimately see.Rodriguez reflects on how his early newsroom experience in Miami informed his transition to network news, and how MS NOW is approaching coverage in a media environment increasingly influenced by digital platforms, social media, and algorithm-driven content. Ben and Jesse also discuss how audiences distinguish between traditional newscasts and more opinion-driven programming at a time when influencers and nontraditional sources often produce news-adjacent content.The conversation explores what these shifts mean for journalism, audience trust, and the evolving relationship between national networks and local reporting.

One U.S. Capitol Police Officer beaten during the January 6th riots recalls the moments a mob attacked him and his colleagues while protecting Congress. Five years later Winston Pingeon tells Ben how he looks toward a future without political violence, his journey finding peace and how he hopes people don't rewrite history.Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.

Join us as we delve into the U.S. military's bold move in Venezuela, capturing Nicolas Maduro, and the ensuing political debate. Discover how this pivotal event could shape the midterm elections and influence global politics. Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.️ Listen to any episode you like here Find me on Social Media#VenezuelaCrisis #USPolitics #Midterms2026

2025 was a political inflection point—and the fallout isn’t over. On this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, Ben looks back at the year’s biggest political moments, from Donald Trump’s reemergence at the center of power, and what it all means heading into 2026.Ben revisits his enlightening interview with Peter Loge, a political analyst and professor at George Washington University, for a candid conversation about one of the biggest unanswered questions in American politics: Can we rebuild civility in an era fueled by outrage? A grounded, thoughtful discussion about how we got here—and whether a healthier political culture is still possible.Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.️ Listen to any episode you like here Find Ben on Social Media

In this episode of "Byline with Ben Dennis," we delve into the impending healthcare crisis as premiums are set to soar in 2026. Join Ben as he interviews Kitty Richards, a former Biden administration official, to explore the roots of this issue, the impact of expiring Obamacare tax credits, and potential solutions. The conversation also touches on the release of the Epstein files and the intriguing concept of the "Patriot Games." Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on these pressing topics and more.Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.️ Listen to any episode you like here Find Ben on Social Media

🎧 Tune in to this exciting episode of “Byline” with Ben Dennis as he dives into the week’s top stories, giving you the real scoop without any hidden agendas. We’ll be talking about the heartbreaking news surrounding the passing of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, the tragic events in Australia during Hannukah, and how holiday shopping is changing. Ben will be joined by Michael Giusti, a journalism professor and business analyst, who’ll share his thoughts on how AI is affecting what we buy and the growing popularity of unique, memorable gifts. Get ready for some insightful chats and tips on keeping your packages safe during the busy holiday season! 📦 Stay tuned for more episodes that are sure to keep you informed and engaged. Subscribe now to never miss an updateByline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️ Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social MediaSURVEY: ‘Porch Pirates 2025 & Holiday Shopping GuideBy Michael Giusti’

Join Ben as he partners with real estate expert Olivia Farrell to discuss the evolving landscape of home-buying. They delve into the challenges and opportunities in today's market, offering practical advice and insights for first-time buyers and anyone interested in real estate. Discover how current trends are shaping the dream of home ownership. #RealEstate #HomeBuying • Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️ Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

Explore the real impact of government workforce cuts through the compelling stories of Anna Culbertson and Catherine Baker; both are working to support fired federal workers ousted during the wave of Elon Musk's DOGE cuts. Uncover the challenges faced by federal employees and their fight for transparency and justice. This episode offers a deep dive into the resilience and advocacy efforts of those affected by these sweeping changes.Anna works with '27 UNIHTED'Cat works with 'OneAID'Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️ Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

In this engaging episode of "Byline with Ben Dennis," Ben interviews Tony Dahbura, head of the Sports Analytics Research Group at Johns Hopkins University. They explore the transformative role of AI in sports, discussing its impact on everything from fan experiences to sports betting and broadcasting. Tony shares insights into the secretive nature of sports analytics and the potential for AI to revolutionize data analysis in sports. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications and future possibilities of AI altering the human experience in sports. Additionally, Ben covers current headlines, including potential political developments and holiday travel trends.Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️ Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

In this episode, Ben Dennis sits down with Todd Huntley, the director of the National Security Law Program at Georgetown University Law, to explore the legal intricacies of national security and military operations. They discuss Todd's career as a legal advisor at the Pentagon, his insights on the legality of military actions, and the moral considerations involved. The conversation also touches on current events, including U.S. military actions off the coast of Venezuela and the legal challenges surrounding them. Additionally, they delve into President Trump's controversial comments suggesting death to Democrats, examining the legal and ethical implications of such statements. Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠️ Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media

Ever wondered how national politics influence your local vote? 🗳️ On this episode, we unravel the Trump effect, dissect the economy's sway on elections, and explore the future of political discourse. Dive in and discover how these forces shape our world and the way Democrats and Republicans strategize for the 2026 Congressional midterm election!Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠⁠️ ⁠⁠Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media⁠

In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube), we dive into the sweeping cuts to longtime humanitarian efforts at USAID and their implications for America’s global standing. Ben interviews Asher Moss, Executive Director of the Alliance for American Leadership, to discuss the fallout from recent and massive cuts to USAID. Asher provides an insider’s perspective on how these changes could impact international relations and domestic interests. Tune in to understand the stakes and why Asher says this issue should matter to every American concerned about our nation’s role on the world stage.Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠⁠️ ⁠⁠Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Ben on Social Media⁠

On this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, journalist Ben Dennis explores how Americans can push back against political violence and toxic polarization. His guest, Peter Loge — director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication at George Washington University — unpacks how tech companies, politicians and voters can reflect on the role they play. With insight and humor, they reveal how ethical communication can help restore trust in democracy.Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders, and everyday voices you might not hear elsewhere to ask the questions headlines leave behind. From politics and culture to stories shaping our neighborhoods, Byline makes sense of the world in a way that’s real, relatable, and eye-opening — no spin, no talking points, just honest conversations that make you think.⁠⁠️ ⁠⁠Listen to any episode you like here⁠⁠⁠⁠Find Ben on Social Media⁠

This week on Byline with Ben Dennis, we’re unpacking a whirlwind of headlines — from former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s stunning 18-count indictment to new legal trouble for James Comey and New York’s Attorney General, all raising questions about political retaliation at the highest levels. Plus, inside President Trump’s controversial plan to demolish part of the White House East Wing to build a private ballroom — while the government remains partially shut down. We’ll also look at the escalating strikes in the Caribbean, growing protests across U.S. cities, and the looming SNAP and WIC funding crisis that could hit millions of American families. It’s a week that blends politics, policy, and power plays — all broken down in plain terms, right here on Byline with Ben Dennis.