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Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner

by Rick Wagner

What can history teach us about the political battles of today?On Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines politics, history, government, and the struggle for power from a conservative and classical-liberal perspective.From local controversies to national politics and international affairs, the program explores the larger forces behind the news: how institutions succeed or fail, how political decisions shape our lives, and why the lessons of history still matter.Independent-minded commentary, historical perspective, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom—including our own.

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Episodes

  1. The Hinges of Fate

    Civilizations rarely fall in a single moment. Their fate is shaped by the choices they make when confronted by crisis. From the resilience of Rome to the long struggle for survival in Constantinople, history reveals how leadership, adaptation, and the defense of enduring values can determine...

  2. The Cost of Convenience: What Are We Giving Up?

    Your paycheck buys less, the American Dream costs more, free speech is increasingly negotiable, and artificial intelligence may be teaching the next generation how not to think. From inflation and generational frustration to government censorship and AI in the classroom, we examine the hidden…

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  3. Are We Losing the Ability to Live Together?

    From political messaging embedded in popular entertainment to social media algorithms that reward anger, something is changing in American culture. In this episode of The Wagner Report/Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines the growing influence of ideology in entertainment, including shows like...

  4. The Wagner Report: Media, AI, and the Battle for an Informed America

    Rick Wagner examines the decline of local journalism, the rise of sensationalized media, and how social platforms can reward performance over substance. He also looks at weakening literacy and critical-thinking skills, the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare, and why...

  5. When the Foundations Erode

    From Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to crime, education, and cultural conflict at home, this episode looks at what happens when the foundations of a society begin to weaken. Rick Wagner examines personal responsibility, moral authority, family, and the lessons of history—and asks what...

  6. Judgment Under Pressure: Murder Trials and Modern War

    How do we judge responsibility—in a courtroom or on the world stage? Rick Wagner examines the Lindsay Clancy case, explaining the distinctions among murder, manslaughter, and criminal responsibility when severe mental illness is at issue. He then turns to Pete Hegseth’s leadership and the debate...

  7. The State of Texas and the Fragile Republic

    Rick Wagner examines the Texas Senate race, questioning recent polling and candidate viability before turning to broader concerns about debt, regulation, and America’s economic competitiveness. He also discusses the strategic importance of AI and robotics, rising tensions with Russia, Ukraine’s...

  8. Economic Shifts and the Modern Labor Landscape

    Radio host Rick Wagner discusses the economic challenges facing Iran and Cuba, suggesting that these authoritarian regimes maintain control by suppressing their populations despite long-term sanctions. He explores China’s growing global influence, noting how its support for these nations serves…

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  9. Forecasting the Fallout: Why the News Repeats Itself and What Happens When Expectations Outpace Opportunity

    Synopsis In this episode, Rick Wagner dives deep into the underlying mechanics of history, challenging the idea that the repetitive nature of our modern news cycle is just a coincidence. Moving past simple predictions, Rick explores the science of forecasting social and political cycles through…

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  10. The Republic We Inherited: What Are We Doing With It?

    The Fourth of July is usually celebrated with flags, fireworks, parades, and familiar words about freedom. But beneath the celebration lies a harder question: What does it take to preserve the republic the Founders created? In this Independence Day episode, Rick Wagner reflects on the American...

  11. The War That Comes in Pieces

    In this episode, Rick Wagner looks past the headlines and asks the harder strategic question: what happens when the West is forced to respond to pressure in too many places at once? From drone attacks and NATO vulnerability to the uneasy partnership between Russia and China, this discussion...

  12. When Institutions Stop Doing Their Job

    Rick discusses Chicago Public Schools’ May Day controversy as part of a larger pattern of institutional drift. Public schools exist to educate children first — to teach reading, writing, math, history, civics, and independent thought. Civic engagement has a place, but when struggling schools blur...

  13. Iran, Gas Prices, and America’s Forgotten Ambition

    Rick breaks down the Iran conflict, why gas prices stay high despite U.S. oil production, and what America has lost since the Apollo era. He ties war, energy, and space exploration into a broader argument about national strength, technological ambition, and the real cost of decline.

  14. The Terrain of Conflict: Iran and the Maritime Choke Points

    This episode examines the strategic realities of conflict with Iran, emphasizing the limits of air power against a large, mountainous country with dispersed and well-hidden military assets. It explores the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, where even small mobile forces can threaten global...

  15. The Long War Mindset: From Crusades to Modern Conflict

    This episode examines the deeper structure behind modern Middle Eastern conflict, moving beyond headlines to focus on the forces that actually drive behavior. It explores how theological frameworks—particularly within Iran’s Twelver Shi’a tradition—inform long-term strategy, risk tolerance, and...

  16. AI, Bias & the Family Feud Problem — How We Should Use Tech for Research

    AI, State Power, and Political Drift Rick covers a wide range of issues, from the push to end daylight savings time to the growing role of artificial intelligence in research. He warns that AI can fall into a “Family Feud” problem—prioritizing consensus over truth. Rick also examines Colorado’s...

  17. Institutional Drift: From Iran to Minnesota

    Rick Wagner breaks down the week’s key flashpoints—from rising pressure around Iran and the stalemate in Ukraine to a maritime confrontation near Cuba. At home, allegations of Medicaid fraud in Minnesota and the continuing fallout from U.K. grooming scandals raise deeper questions about...

  18. Belonging Over Belief: Why People Join Radical Causes Without Caring About Outcomes

    The discussion explores how radical causes provide moral certainty and emotional release, allowing destructive behavior to be reframed as virtue and personal failure to be reassigned to a hated external enemy. Belonging, not belief, becomes the real currency. Hatred functions as social glue,...

  19. Soft Power, Hard Landings: Budgets, Borders, and the Cost of Pretending

    What do New York’s budget math, China’s military posturing, and Europe’s instability have in common? More than you think. This podcast breaks down how fiscal denial and geopolitical weakness collide—and why the bill always comes due.

  20. The Educational No Longer Prepares You To Do Anything

    Job interviews no longer revolve around what the applicant can do for you. Now it's all about what the hirer can provide for the employee. You used to need some amount of competence in order to be in authority. Our former Vice President shows that that's no longer applicable. #rickwagner...

  21. Why Is Our System More Focused On Rehabilitating Predators Than Protecting Citizens?

    People in power have no issue discussing and making decisions on topics they no nothing about. Let's take technology and National security. The justice system is failing us. Criminals are walking free because of failed ideology. Repeat offenders are walking free all the time. A talk radio show...

  22. More Money For Education? Why?

    Let's talk about the Department of Education - why would more funding help? 1% of the population of New York pays 40% of the taxes. You don't want that 1% moving! #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio...

  23. One Of The Biggest Dangers in Society Is Forgetting How We Got Here

    Some of the challenges our country has faced have been ugly. This is still a great country. No society is perfect. If the U.S is so bad, why are people fighting to be here? A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor...

  24. Mayoral Shake-Ups: Breaking Down the Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next

    The people getting elected recently really makes you question the IQ of the citizens voting there. Let's talk South America and Mexico. There are a lot of complicated issues there right now A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking...

  25. Last Weeks Election Results Are Making A Very Strong Statement - Let's Discuss

    Who protects the ICE agents and National Guard? Let's look at the latest election results. What can we learn from this turn out? When the left gets backed into a corner - they revert to fear tactics. Notice how they try to scare their followers into thinking they are the only ones who can save...

  26. What's Happening In The Bahamas And How Might This Unfold?

    Russia and China have infiltrated much of the world. Other countries no longer know if America can or will have their back. How does this lack of confidence play a role in what side the rest of the world would take during a future conflict? #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking...

  27. Another Voyage Down The River of Weird

    The news is such aimless repetition of the same information! That's why Rick enjoys discussing lesser talked about current events. The rhetoric around global warming has not gone the way the left would like. Let's discuss some updated research! A talk radio show blending history, politics and...

  28. Endless Noise: Why Does 24/7 News Tell You So Little?

    The news and mainstream media are so frustrating. The news is on 24/7, and yet they report on so little. Just constant repetition of the stories they want to cover. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio...

  29. The Middle East Has Never Been A Peaceful Place

    Let's talk Gaza and Israel. It's not as if this is the first time there has been conflict in the area. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio #applepodcasts #podbean #knzz #talkradio #conservativenews...

  30. We Get Policy Talked To Death - Let's Break Some Of These Events Down

    Russia and Ukraine are still at it! Rick dives into Putin and Zelensky's current actions and how they're affecting the world around us. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio #applepodcasts #podbean…

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  31. What A Controversial Week In The World!

    Let's talk mental health and how open conversations and we as neighbors can help. We don't have to wait for someone else to help those around us. We can step in and help and make our communities a safer place. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner…

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  32. The Government Does Most Things Poorly

    In this episode, Rick unpacks the implications of a recent stabbing that has shaken the community and reignited discussions about safety and violence. He explores how mental health issues often intersect with public safety concerns and why addressing these challenges is critical for both...

  33. Brain Break! Let's Talk About Something Different This Week!

    It's not healthy to focus too much on things we can't control. Let's take a break to discuss some interesting ancient history. What you CAN control is who you vote for on City Council. It's much more important than we realize. Vote in your local elections! #rickwagner #therickwagnershow...

  34. If America Was A Business- We'd Be Out Of Business!

    Watching the left-wing media is just viewing hysterical ranting at this point. They're not thinking about what their viewpoint means. It's all just rhetoric to them. It's all fueled by their hatred for Donald Trump. The Government can just borrow more and pay more. How long can this last? Check…

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  35. Do Good Ideas Exist In Chicago?

    It doesn't take much to get on the Left's bad side. Just ask JK Rowling! Our belief in the justice system has certainly been restored since the last election. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright...

  36. Why Are People Against A Crack Down On Crime In DC?

    Who would fund protests in defense of crime? D.C is out of control. God forbid people be able to safely walk down the street in the middle of the day! What will upcoming interest rate cuts mean and who will they affect? Let's talk about it! A talk radio show blending history, politics and…

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  37. ICE And The Western Slope - Hitting Close To Home

    Mesa County and ICE - Many of you have heard about the tiff going on with the federal and state government at odds in our very own county! DEI has not been around that long. Before that was affirmative action. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner…

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  38. Our Judicial System Is Not On The Right Track

    A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio #applepodcasts #podbean #knzz #talkradio #conservativenews

  39. Molding Cultural Tension - The Drum Beat Has Already Begun

    Election distrust for 2028 is already being spread. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio #applepodcasts #podbean #knzz #talkradio...

  40. Did Trump's Team Get In Over Their Heads With The Epstein Files?

    They walked onto the cabinet pretty casually promising to release this information. I'm sure it's a lot more complicated than expected. California is doing so well that Gavin Newsom has spare time to sit around and podcast! A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner...

  41. If We Don't Seek Out The Truth, We Rely On The Media - And That's Not Wise

    What's happening with Russia and Ukraine? Things are not going well there, but we suddenly stopped hearing about them. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify...

  42. Don't Let Politicians Convince You They Know More About Life Than You Do

    We often think of the founding fathers as wealthy, wigged men. They just sat around arguing with each other. These founders had day jobs. They were the working class. They were the driving force just as you are. Let's discuss the Big Beautiful Bill - there are pros and cons. A talk radio show...

  43. It's Time To Reread Orwell's 1984. It's Feeling Eerily Familiar To Reality

    Hollywood gossip travels farther than most headlines about nukes in Iran! Since when is Jeff Bezos interesting? We give these people way too much attention. What happens to your mental health when you are forced to accept lies and repeat them? It's time to reread 1984. A talk radio show blending...

  44. Will Iran See A Regime Change?

    Rick dives into the vast history of Iran and the Middle East. Things are obviously up in the air, but it's helpful to discuss the historical, political and cultural influences of the past 100 years. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow...

  45. Let's Talk Israel And Iran - We Should Discuss Some Historical Context

    It's important to understand the historical context of Israel and Iran. Let me know what you think! A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio...

  46. The Left Is Afraid Of Both Trump And Musk! How Will This Shake Out?

    The left is intimidated by Trump and Musk and they are loving the current feud! Catch up with Rick on this week in politics and reflect on the historical context of Chinese and Russian events A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #therickwagnershow #politicalviking...

  47. We Are No Longer In An Era Where Headlines Contain Real Information

    Headlines are made to antagonize and fill you with fear. How can we instill some self discipline to protect our peace? Joe Biden may not have deserved elder abuse during his presidency, but that doesn't mean he was at any point, a good person. A legacy in senate, only in age. He never deserved to...

  48. Is There Anything Trump Can Do That A Federal Judge Somewhere Won't Object?

    Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Let's talk the economy, tariffs, the stock market and more. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio #applepodcasts...

  49. Trump Is Doing An Admirable Job To Say The Least

    Trump's energy and confident attitude is very interesting to watch. The way people communicate over politics online is really out of hand. Joe Biden has never been right about foreign policy - let's take a look! A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner...

  50. Just Because You Make A Certain Amount Of Money - Doesn't Make It Okay For The Government To Take It

    A new pope has been chosen! Let's talk taxes. Even some "republicans" are pushing for a tax increase. A talk radio show blending history, politics and culture. #rickwagner #therickwagnershow #politicalviking #vikingdisruptor #gettingitright #waronwrong #podcast #youtube #spotify #iheartradio...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

What can history teach us about the political battles of today?On Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines politics, history, government, and the struggle for power from a conservative and classical-liberal perspective.From local controversies to national politics and international affairs, the program explores the larger forces behind the news: how institutions succeed or fail, how political decisions shape our lives, and why the lessons of history still matter.Independent-minded commentary, historical perspective, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom—including our own.

HOSTED BY

Rick Wagner

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner have?

Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner currently has 375 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner about?

What can history teach us about the political battles of today?On Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines politics, history, government, and the struggle for power from a conservative and classical-liberal perspective.From local controversies to national politics and international affairs, the...

How often does Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner release new episodes?

Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner publishes regularly with 375 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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Who hosts Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner?

Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner is created and hosted by Rick Wagner.
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