The episode features a conversation between Hawk and Zee Cohen-Sanchez from Nationalgroundgame.com about two special elections in Florida for vacant House seats, with candidates Gay Valamont and Josh Weil running in traditionally Republican districts. Zee, who works with National Ground Game, discusses how these races are unexpectedly competitive, with Democratic candidates out-fundraising their Republican opponents by significant margins. The conversation highlights that early voting results are promising for Democrats, and that issues like veteran benefits, Social Security, and recent controversies involving Trump appointees and Republican text message leaks are resonating with voters in these districts.Zee explains that National Ground Game's approach focuses on "deep canvassing," which involves meaningful conversations with voters about their concerns rather than just asking who they'll vote for. This method has proven effective in flipping traditionally Republican districts in the past. Zee emphasizes that many potential voters in these districts are non-voters rather than Republicans who need to be converted, and that Democratic infrastructure in these areas has been neglected for years. Even if Democrats don't win these races, Zee believes making them competitive is important groundwork for future elections.The conversation concludes with a discussion about how Democrats have failed to effectively organize in primaries and connect online influence to real-world action, unlike Republicans who have built effective pipelines from social media to political engagement. Zee notes that Democrats appear to have more online talent and followers but haven't utilized them effectively to connect with campaigns. The podcast ends with a call to action for listeners to get involved with National Ground Game through phone banking and canvassing to help with the upcoming special elections.Follow Zee on TikTok for up to date information about these important races:https://www.tiktok.com/@zeetothehill National Ground Game Website:https://www.nationalgroundgame.comStart Phone Banking NOW with this link:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D8LH7DC1qvZwkM0fGx0tndAv\_qjLujAw9Wkw4rhqCWs/htmlview
SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk- Support Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com- Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct- Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Podcasts Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.com- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTBSimplecast: https://hawk-droppings.simplecast.com- Hawk Podcasts RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/pPVtxSNJ
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43:12
Hawk Interviews Chris Kluwe
Hawk interviews former NFL player and social justice activist Chris Kluwe. They discuss Kluwe's recent arrest in Huntington Beach while protesting a controversial plaque at the local library, which he argues was designed to promote a far-right agenda. The conversation expands into the broader political climate of the city, highlighting its history with white nationalist movements and how local officials are using their positions to advance personal ambitions rather than serving the community. Kluwe criticizes the city council's attempts at book bans and library privatization, emphasizing the need for community activism to push back against authoritarian policies.The discussion shifts toward national politics, where Kluwe and Hawk examine the rise of the MAGA movement and its parallels to historical fascism. Kluwe argues that MAGA operates on an explicitly anti-democratic platform, using trans rights as a starting point to erode broader civil liberties. They discuss the role of the Republican Party in enabling authoritarianism, the failure of Democratic leadership to push back effectively, and the alarming acceleration of radical policies under the Trump administration. Kluwe stresses the importance of recognizing the ideological shift away from traditional conservatism, calling on Americans to stand against what he sees as a constitutional collapse.In the final segment, they explore the influence of radicalization within gaming communities and online spaces, tracing the roots of today’s alt-right pipeline back to movements like Gamergate. Kluwe highlights how young men, struggling with a sense of control in their lives, are being drawn into extremist ideologies through social media algorithms and figures like Andrew Tate and Joe Rogan. He calls for direct intervention in reaching disaffected youth before they fully embrace these toxic narratives. The episode ends with a sobering reflection on the future of American democracy, with both Hawk and Kluwe urging immediate and sustained action to counter rising authoritarianism.Follow Chris Kluwe on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chriswarcraft.bsky.social
SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk- Support Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com- Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct- Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Podcasts Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.com- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTBSimplecast: https://hawk-droppings.simplecast.com- Hawk Podcasts RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/pPVtxSNJ
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49:53
Laughter in Light Discusses Bird Flu (H5N1)
In this episode Hawk interviews Dr. Melanie Matheu, PhD (Laughter in Light on TikTok), an immunologist and scientist, to discuss H5N1 bird flu. Dr. Matheu explains that H5N1 is a highly pathogenic influenza virus that has historically had a 52-56% mortality rate in humans, though this rate could decrease if the virus becomes more widespread. While the virus currently cannot spread between humans, Dr. Matheu warns that it is likely only one mutation away from gaining this ability, which she estimates could happen within the next two years.The conversation explores how H5N1 differs from COVID-19, noting that influenza viruses generally require higher viral loads for infection and spread less easily than coronaviruses. Dr. Matheu discusses existing H5N1 vaccines and their potential effectiveness, explaining that while vaccines exist, the U.S. only has about 4.8 million doses stockpiled. The discussion also covers how prior COVID infections or Long COVID might impact susceptibility to H5N1, with Dr. Matheu explaining that COVID-related immune system dysfunction could make people more vulnerable to future infections.The interview concludes with a broader discussion about the state of scientific communication and trust in the United States. Both host and guest express concern about the spread of medical misinformation and the potential impact of losing platforms like TikTok, which has served as an important channel for scientists to communicate directly with the public. They also discuss their apprehension about how future public health crises might be handled given the current political climate and declining trust in scientific institutions.Dr. Matheu's Substack article on H5N1 - a good companion read for what is discussed in this episode: https://lilscience.substack.com/p/is-h5n1bird-flu-the-next-pandemicDr. Matheu's Social Media Links:Substack: https://lilscience.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie_matheu_phd/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@melanie_matheu_phdBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lilscience.bsky.socialEpisode Correction: The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) revoked the board certification of Peter McCullough, MD, MPH, a cardiologist who promoted controversial views about COVID-19 (not his license to practice medicine).
SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk- Support Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com- Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct- Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Podcasts Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.com- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTBSimplecast: https://hawk-droppings.simplecast.com- Hawk Podcasts RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/pPVtxSNJ
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54:57
TikTok Ban and the Supreme Court
This episode discusses the upcoming Supreme Court oral arguments regarding the TikTok ban legislation, scheduled for January 10th, 2025. The legislation, which was rapidly passed through Congress in just eight days, requires ByteDance (TikTok's Chinese parent company) to divest its ownership of TikTok's U.S. operations or face a ban. Hawk analyzed the government's legal brief, which argues that the legislation addresses national security concerns about Chinese government control rather than content regulation, though Hawk notes that the government's brief lacks concrete evidence of actual harm.Hawk expresses skepticism about the government's stated motivations, suggesting that the legislation was influenced by pro-Israel lobbying groups who were concerned about Palestinian content from Gaza being shared on TikTok. He emphasizes that TikTok is used by approximately 170 million Americans (about half the U.S. population) and argues that banning the platform would have significant economic and social consequences for its users.TikTok's legal brief argues that the legislation violates First Amendment protections, pointing out that the law specifically targets one content platform while exempting others with similar foreign connections. Their brief challenges the government's position by highlighting that TikTok is a U.S. company and arguing that the law should be subject to strict scrutiny since it effectively regulates speech and content rather than just foreign conduct. Hawk suggests that TikTok's brief makes stronger legal arguments by focusing on practical First Amendment implications rather than relying on speculative security concerns.
SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk- Support Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com- Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct- Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Podcasts Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.com- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTBSimplecast: https://hawk-droppings.simplecast.com- Hawk Podcasts RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/pPVtxSNJ
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46:24
Trump Remains a Convicted Felon
In this December 26, 2024 episode, Hawk analyzes a recent court decision regarding Donald Trump's claims of presidential immunity in his Manhattan criminal case, where he was convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records. The decision, written by Judge Juan Merchan on December 16, 2024, came in response to Trump's motion to dismiss the indictment and vacate the jury's verdict based on a Supreme Court immunity decision from July 1, 2024.Hawk details how Judge Merchan systematically dismantled Trump's immunity claims, explaining that the evidence in question related to unofficial rather than official acts, and therefore wasn't protected by presidential immunity. The judge also concluded that even if some evidence was improperly admitted, it would constitute harmless error given the overwhelming evidence of guilt from other sources, including documentary evidence and testimony from multiple witnesses.Throughout the episode, Hawk praises the thoroughness and readability of Judge Merchan's decision while noting how the judge subtly criticizes the Supreme Court's immunity doctrine. He emphasizes that despite Trump's claims, the judge clearly states in the decision that Trump "stands convicted" of the 34 felony counts, and ultimately denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case.REFERENCE LINKS:12/16/24 Judge Merchan Decision and Order, the subject of the podcast:https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFs/press/PDFs/CPL330.30Dec.pdf7/1/24 Supreme Court Trump immunity decision:https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdfJudge Tanya Chutkan immunity ruling, Jack Smith SC case:https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24180338-12_1-chutkan-rejects-mtd/Judge Engeron final decision in NY AG civil case against Trump:https://www.scribd.com/document/706231478/452564-2022-People-of-the-State-of-v-People-of-the-State-of-Decision-After-Trial-1688#1fullscreen=1
SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk- Support Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com- Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct- Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Podcasts Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.com- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTBSimplecast: https://hawk-droppings.simplecast.com- Hawk Podcasts RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/pPVtxSNJ
He's raw, unfiltered, unedited, authentic, vulnerable and sometimes annoying. His laugh is infectious, and he often engages in long periods of awkward silence. He will tell it like it is, and whether you’re on the left or the right he’s bound to make you uncomfortable at some point. But he will definitely make you think. A licensed, practicing trial attorney for the last 25 years, he brings his legal experience and knowledge to the news of the day and current events here at home to offer different perspectives and additional things to consider.
USA