Congresswoman Greene's defiance on Epstein files ignites a MAGA civil war, exposing a deep rift with Trump and questioning the movement's future leadership and core message.
Vanity Fair faces scrutiny, Trump meets with Mamdani, Greene resigns, and Susan Orlean reveals secrets to compelling storytelling and navigating journalism's evolving landscape.
Olivia Nuzzi's career thrives by leveraging scandal, blurring journalism and personal narrative, proving the media rewards controversy over integrity in a game she now masters.
A federal judge dismisses indictments, the Pentagon investigates a senator, and Trump eyes Venezuela, while Greene resigns, revealing deep political turmoil and shifting alliances.
Ukraine faces a stark choice: territorial concessions in a US-brokered peace plan or continued conflict, while oral obesity pills near approval and Marjorie Taylor Greene exits Congress.
"The First Eight: The Men and Women Who Changed America's History" by Jim Clyburn - This book introduces eight African Americans who were elected to Congress before Clyburn, and draws parallels between their challenges and contemporary political issues, urging readers to learn from history.
"Blessed Experiences: Genuinely Southern, Proudly Black and Democrat" by Jim Clyburn - Clyburn's memoir, mentioned as a previous work that provides context to his current book.
People Mentioned
Jim Clyburn (Representative in Congress) - Featured guest discussing his political career, his new book, and current political issues.
Newt Gingrich - Mentioned as a figure whose election in 1994 contributed to increased political polarization in Congress.
Marshall Williams (Old state senator in South Carolina) - Shared advice with Clyburn about campaigning and delivering on promises.
John West (Governor of South Carolina) - Clyburn served on his staff.
Barack Obama (Former President) - His campaign and delivery on healthcare reform (Affordable Care Act) were discussed.
Andrew Johnson (President) - Referenced in the context of his impeachment and its historical significance.
Rutherford B. Hayes (President) - His election in 1876 was discussed as a pivotal moment leading to Jim Crow laws.
Martin Witherspoon Gary - Mentioned as the author of the "Hampton Plan," a historical plan to overturn elections.
George Santayana (Spanish philosopher) - Quoted for his saying about learning from history.
John Lewis (Civil Rights Leader) - Mentioned as a close friend of Clyburn and a moral leader of the Selma march.
Hosea Williams (Civil Rights Leader) - Mentioned as a prophetic leader of the Selma march.
Edgar Guest - His poem was referenced by Clyburn's father.
John Rabinowitz - A friend and co-host of the "conversation with the Johns" segment.
John McConnell - A friend and co-host of the "conversation with the Johns" segment.
Donald Trump (President) - His policies, actions, and impact on politics were a central topic of discussion.
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Congresswoman) - Discussed in the context of her relationship with Donald Trump.
Amy Klobuchar (Senator) - Mentioned as a past guest in the "best of" episode.
Chris Coons (Senator) - Mentioned as a past guest in the "best of" episode.
John Calipari (Basketball Coach) - Mentioned as a past guest in the "best of" episode.
Organizations & Institutions
Faith and Politics Institute - Clyburn is the honorary chair of this organization, which organizes trips to Selma.
Little, Brown and Company - The publisher of Clyburn's book "The First Eight."
Websites & Online Resources
Amazon.com - Suggested as a place to purchase Clyburn's book "The First Eight."
RosettaStone.com/pod50 - A website where listeners can get a 50% discount on Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership.
Other Resources
Affordable Care Act - Discussed as a major accomplishment during Clyburn's time in Congress, highlighting its impact on healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Project 2025 - Referenced as a contemporary plan to overturn elections, drawing parallels to the historical Hampton Plan.
Hampton Plan - A historical plan from 1876 mentioned for its aim to overturn elections and deny voting rights.
Matthew 25 (Bible Chapter) - Referenced by Clyburn to explain the Democratic party's focus on caring for "the least of these."
Book of James (Bible Chapter) - Clyburn's favorite book, cited for its teaching that "faith without works is dead."
Selma, Alabama - The site of historical civil rights marches, discussed for its significance and annual commemoration.
Charleston, South Carolina - Mentioned as a place of historical significance for civil rights, particularly concerning the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting.
Epstein Files - Mentioned in the context of human trafficking and holding perpetrators accountable.