Hard Pass

This week, we saw the immediate impact of the Supreme Court’s latest decision further weakening the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Southern states moved quickly to redraw congressional maps in ways critics say reduce Black politicalrepresentation.In Louisiana, state lawmakers went so far as to cancel an election that citizens had already begun voting in so new district maps could be implemented. In Virginia, the state supreme court invalidated voting maps supported by morethan 1.6 million residents of the commonwealth.On this edition of Hard Pass, we examine how corporate mediacovered — or failed to cover — these major developments in voting rights and representation. This episode is called Blacked Out.

This week, we saw the immediate impact of the Supreme Court’s latest decision further weakening the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Southern states moved quickly to redraw congressional maps in ways critics say reduce Black politicalrepresentation.In Louisiana, state lawmakers went so far as to cancel an election that citizens had already begun voting in so new district maps could be implemented. In Virginia, the state supreme court invalidated voting maps supported by more than 1.6 million residents of the commonwealth.On this edition of Hard Pass, we examine how corporate mediacovered — or failed to cover — these major developments in voting rights and representation. This episode is called Blacked Out.

In this episode - Bench Pressed - we’ll be looking at corporate news media coverage of the Supreme Court’s ruling that further weakens the 1965 voting rights act. We also discuss the second indictment of James Comey handed down by a grand jury over the a photo the former FBI director posted on his Instagram account one year ago this month. The photo was of seashells on a beach which were arranged to show the numbers 8 6 4 7.

In this episode - Bench Pressed - we’ll be looking at corporate news media coverage of the Supreme Court’s ruling that further weakens the 1965 voting rights act. We also discuss the second indictment of James Comey handed down by a grand jury over the a photo the former FBI director posted on his Instagram account one year ago this month. The photo was of seashells on a beach which were arranged to show the numbers 8 6 4 7.

On this edition of Hard Pass, we focus on corporate news media coverage of the shooting incident at the White House correspondents' dinner. This news event had and unusual component in that the room near where it happened was full of journalists. How well did they do at reporting on an event they witnessed? We also discuss how social media pundits are overwhelmingly focusing on the conspiracy theory that the shooting was staged. This is season two, episode 17 of Hard Pass.

On this edition of Hard Pass, we focus on corporate news media coverage of the shooting incident at the White House correspondents' dinner. This news event had and unusual component in that the room near where it happened was full of journalists. How well did they do at reporting on an event they witnessed? We also discuss how social media pundits are overwhelmingly focusing on the conspiracy theory that the shooting was staged. This is season two, episode 17 of Hard Pass

In this episode we take a different tack. Instead of a corporate news media story, we let The Late Show's Stephen Colbert give the "news coverage" of a couple of religious elements that happened in politics this week. One, the battle between the President and the Pope. Two, Secretary Hegseth's conflation of a Bible quote and a popular Hollywood movie. All this and more in season two, episode 16 of Hard Pass.

In this episode we take a different tack. Instead of a corporate news media story, we let The Late Show's Stephen Colbert give the "news coverage" of a couple of religious elements that happened in politics this week. One, the battle between the President and the Pope. Two, Secretary Hegseth's conflation of a Bible quote and a popular Hollywood movie. All this and more in season two, episode 16 of Hard Pass.

First we discuss media coverage of the failed peace talks from the weekend. We also talk a little bit about Melania Trump’s announcement and the president’s claim that he was unaware that his wife was making the statement. Also, for guys that grew up during the space race … like Brian and Mark … the Artemis trip around the moon is something that we want to recognize as well. This is season two, episode 15 of Hard Pass.

First we discuss media coverage of the failed peace talks from the weekend. We also talk a little bit about Melania Trump’s announcement and the president’s claim that he was unaware that his wife was making the statement. Also, for guys that grew up during the space race … like Brian and Mark … the Artemis trip around the moon is something that we want to recognize as well. This is season two, episode 15 of Hard Pass.

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS PROFANITY! The president released a rather unusual Easter message on Sunday. The corporate news media jumped on it quickly. But, while they covered it, how well did they do in that coverage? Some used the full text including all of the profanity while some attempted to soften the wording. We talk about this as well as some of the reasons that were proffered as to why Mr. Trump posted this including potential cognitive decline.

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS PROFANITY! The president released a rather unusual Easter message on Sunday. The corporate news media jumped on it quickly. But, while they covered it, how well did they do in that coverage? Some used the full text including all of the profanity while some attempted to soften the wording. We talk about this as well as some of the reasons that were proffered as to why Mr. Trump posted this including potential cognitive decline.

In this episode, Spin Doctors, we talk about two particularly troubling stories that were presented by the Pentagon. One, attacks by Iran on U.S. forces and equipment at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The Pentagon said that some U.S. planes were damaged and would be repaired. Recently released photos of one of the planes shows it damaged beyond repair. The second story was an attack by the U.S. on land in Venezuela of what the Pentagon said was a narco-terrorist training camp. The New York Times visited the site which turned out to be a dairy farm. Is this merely spin or outright deception? The team then looks at a couple of polling results that were in the news as well. Join us for season two, episode 13 or Hard Pass.

In this episode, Spin Doctors, we talk about two particularly troubling stories that were presented by the Pentagon. One, attacks by Iran on U.S. forces and equipment at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The Pentagon said that some U.S. planes were damaged and would be repaired. Recently released photos of one of the planes shows it damaged beyond repair. The second story was an attack by the U.S. on land in Venezuela of what the Pentagon said was a narco-terrorist training camp. The New York Times visited the site which turned out to be a dairy farm. Is this merely spin or outright deception? The team then looks at a couple of polling results that were in the news as well. Join us for season two, episode 13 or Hard Pass.

While the government remains in a partial shutdown, TSA agents are staying home or quitting because they're not getting paid. In a somewhat hasty decision, the President decided to deploy ICE agents to help alleviate the waiting times in airport security. We look at corporate media coverage of that and the judge's ruling in favor of journalists who are covering the Pentagon. All of this and our usual tom foolery on this edition of Hard Pass.

While the government remains in a partial shutdown, TSA agents are staying home or quitting because they're not getting paid. In a somewhat hasty decision, the President decided to deploy ICE agents to help alleviate the waiting times in airport security. We look at corporate media coverage of that and the judge's ruling in favor of journalists who are covering the Pentagon. All of this and our usual tom foolery on this edition of Hard Pass.

In this episode Brian, Mike and Mark look to see if the U.S. corporate news media are reporting on how Vladimir Putin and Russia are benefitting from the U.S. and Israeli attacks in Iran. With Russia giving intelligence help to Iran and the lifting of sanctions on the sale of Russian oil, it seems as if no other country is seeing more positive results from this war than Russia.

In this episode Brian, Mike and Mark look to see if the U.S. corporate news media are reporting on how Vladimir Putin and Russia are benefitting from the U.S. and Israeli attacks in Iran. With Russia giving intelligence help to Iran and the lifting of sanctions on the sale of Russian oil, it seems as if no other country is seeing more positive results from this war than Russia.

On MSNow, Senator Mark Kelly noted that he had counted nine reasons given by the administration for the unprovoked attack on Iran. In this episode, we discuss how well the corporate news media are fairing when it comes to covering the reasons and the events of the war in Iran. We talk about the economy of the war and even talk a little baseball near the end. This is episode 10 of season two of Hard Pass.

On MSNow, Senator Mark Kelly noted that he had counted nine reasons given by the administration for the unprovoked attack on Iran. In this episode, we discuss how well the corporate news media are fairing when it comes to covering the reasons and the events of the war in Iran. We talk about the economy of the war and even talk a little baseball near the end. This is episode 10 of season two of Hard Pass.

US and Israeli forces have attacked Iran in a mission known as, Epic Fury. In this episode we take a look at media coverage of the event and how the reasons given by the administration seem to be out of focus, hence the name, Epically Blurry. We even speculate a bit near the end of the show about what might come next. Join us for season two, episode nine of Hard Pass.

US and Israeli forces have attacked Iran in a mission known as, Epic Fury. In this episode we take a look at media coverage of the event and how the reasons given by the administration seem to be out of focus, hence the name, Epically Blurry. We even speculate a bit near the end of the show about what might come next. Join us for season two, episode nine of Hard Pass.

In this edition of Hard Pass, first we’re going to talk about media coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision on Mr. Trump’s tariff policy. Next, our esteemed experts, Michael and Brian, will be giving us an explainer to help you as you watch the state of the union address from the president.

In this edition of Hard Pass, first we’re going to talk about media coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision on Mr. Trump’s tariff policy. Next, our esteemed experts, Michael and Brian, will be giving us an explainer to help you as you watch the state of the union address from the president.

This is episode 7 of season 2 of Hard Pass. The team talks about several issues with cabinet members and secretaries. From the commerce secretary being caught in a lie about his encounters with Jeffrey Epstein, to the border patrol using a high-powered laser to shoot down a party balloon - closing down the El Paso Airport, to the Attorney General's rather contentious hearing before the Judiciary Committee - this cabinet seems to be struggling a bit. We talk about how media are covering all of this!

This is episode 7 of season 2 of Hard Pass. The team talks about several issues with cabinet members and secretaries. From the commerce secretary being caught in a lie about his encounters with Jeffrey Epstein, to the border patrol using a high-powered laser to shoot down a party balloon - closing down the El Paso Airport, to the Attorney General's rather contentious hearing before the Judiciary Committee - this cabinet seems to be struggling a bit. We talk about how media are covering all of this!

In this episode we look at two big stories making news. One, the president's post on Truth social where Barack and Michelle Obama are depicted as apes. The fallout and criticism was swift and from both sides of the political spectrum. Next we talk about the axe that fell at the Washington Post where nearly a third of the company's staff were fired. What is the state of journalism in the shadow of this massive layoff from one of the nation's top sources of news?

In this episode we look at two big stories making news. One, the president's post on Truth social where Barack and Michelle Obama are depicted as apes. The fallout and criticism was swift and from both sides of the political spectrum. Next we talk about the axe that fell at the Washington Post where nearly a third of the company's staff were fired. What is the state of journalism in the shadow of this massive layoff from one of the nation's top sources of news?

The team looks at the arrest of two independent journalists by the federal government. Also, Godwin's Law. Trump supporter Joe Rogan compared actions by ICE in Minneapolis to the Gestapo -- are comparisons to Hitler and the Nazis valid? And, it's not just journalists that the administration is targeting. ICE agents are recording video of protesters and telling them they're now in a database along with other "domestic terrorists."

The team looks at the arrest of two independent journalists by the federal government. Also, Godwin's Law. Trump supporter Joe Rogan compared actions by ICE in Minneapolis to the Gestapo -- are comparisons to Hitler and the Nazis valid? And, it's not just journalists that the administration is targeting. ICE agents are recording video of protesters and telling them they're now in a database along with other "domestic terrorists."

Minneapolis was the site of another killing of an American citizen by federal agents. In this episode we look at how corporate news media did with this second shooting in two weeks. We also discuss agenda setting theory in media as well as how the 4th Amendment seems to be on life support in this second Trump administration.

Minneapolis was the site of another killing of an American citizen by federal agents. In this episode we look at how corporate news media did with this second shooting in two weeks. We also discuss agenda setting theory in media as well as how the 4th Amendment seems to be on life support in this second Trump administration.

There have been several high-profile attempts by the current administration to curtail news and entertainment media over the last several months. In this episode the team talk about the FBI raid on a reporter's home, a threat of a lawsuit from the White House over editing an interview with the president and threats from DHS and ICE agents about recording them with phones. Why is the administration trying to hide from coverage? This is season 2, episode 3 of Hard Pass.

There have been several high-profile attempts by the current administration to curtail news and entertainment media over the last several months. In this episode the team talk about the FBI raid on a reporter's home, a threat of a lawsuit from the White House over editing an interview with the president and threats from DHS and ICE agents about recording them with phones. Why is the administration trying to hide from coverage? This is season 2, episode 3 of Hard Pass.

In this episode we take a deep look into corporate media coverage of the killing of Renee Good by ICE in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to the main coverage, we look at the media's decision to broadcast multiple video angles of the event. Dr. Mirer also talks about the psychology theory that may account for the fact that people with differing political views seemed to view the events in the videos completely differently.

In this episode we take a deep look into corporate media coverage of the killing of Renee Good by ICE in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to the main coverage, we look at the media's decision to broadcast multiple video angles of the event. Dr. Mirer also talks about the psychology theory (also used in media research) that may account for the fact that people with differing political views seemed to view the events in the videos completely differently.

This episode marks the start of season two of Hard Pass. In this episode we talk to Clayton Weimers, the North American executive director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). RSF is a non-profit dedicated to the freedom and security of reporters around the globe. 2025 was a deadly year for journalists, particularly in Gaza.

This episode marks the start of season two of Hard Pass. In this episode we talk to Clayton Weimers, the North American executive director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). RSF is a non-profit dedicated to the freedom and security of reporters around the globe. 2025 was a deadly year for journalists, particularly in Gaza.

John Fugelsang, Sirius XM talk show host, comedian, and best-selling author, joins the team to discuss media and politics, as well as his NY Times best-selling book, "Separation of Church and Hate."

John Fugelsang, Sirius XM talk show host, comedian, and best-selling author, joins the team to discuss media and politics, as well as his NY Times best-selling book, "Separation of Church and Hate."

In this episode of Hard Pass, the team analyzes press coverage of the national polls that are indicating Trump's approval ratings are dropping. Also, how the near miss of a Jet Blue passenger jet and a U.S. military plane over Venezuela is being seen in the bigger picture of what is happening in that country.

In this episode of Hard Pass, the team analyzes press coverage of the national polls that are indicating Trump's approval ratings are dropping. Also, how the near miss of a Jet Blue passenger jet and a U.S. military plane over Venezuela is being seen in the bigger picture of what is happening in that country.

In this episode we look at press coverage of the controversy over the defense secretary's order to "leave no survivors" in attacks on suspected drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. We also look at how the media are connecting that story with the video that six Democratic Congress members released where they talked about defying unlawful military orders. All this and more on episode 22 of Hard Pass.

In this episode we look at press coverage of the controversy over the defense secretary's order to "leave no survivors" in attacks on suspected drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. We also look at how the media are connecting that story with the video that six Democratic Congress members released where they talked about defying unlawful military orders. All this and more on episode 22 of Hard Pass.

This is episode 21 of Hard Pass. Titled - "Why Have You Forsaken Me?" - we look at several strained relationships between formerly loyal Republicans - Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie. They both have cited the release of the emails from the Epstein files as their motivation. We look at media coverage of these events as well as the potential invasion of Venezuela.

This is episode 21 of Hard Pass. Titled - "Why Have You Forsaken Me?" - we look at several strained relationships between formerly loyal Republicans - Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie. They both have cited the release of the emails from the Epstein files as their motivation. We look at media coverage of these events as well as the potential invasion of Venezuela.

In this episode the team look at the big story that broke over the weekend when eight senate Democrats broke ranks and agreed to join the Republicans to reopen the government. The team also discuss several results coming from the Supreme Court.

In this episode the team look at the big story that broke over the weekend when eight senate Democrats broke ranks and agreed to join the Republicans to reopen the government. The team also discuss several results coming from the Supreme Court.

In this episode the team discusses the latest attempt from the White House to limit how journalists can cover the administration. They also dig in to the idea that the press tends to be normalizing the majority of Mr. Trump's actions in spite of the fact that he is not following presidential norms.

In this episode the team discusses the latest attempt from the White House to limit how journalists can cover the administration. They also dig in to the idea that the press tends to be normalizing the majority of Mr. Trump's actions in spite of the fact that he is not following presidential norms.