The Rick Smith Show

On The Rick Smith Show, Rick speaks with Dave Demas, President of AFGE Local 3003, about Trump’s sweeping attacks on federal workers’ collective bargaining rights, highlighting how these rollbacks threaten the safety, representation, and well-being of union members working in America’s federal prisons. Sarah Burris, reporter for RawStory, joins to break down the latest chaos in Texas, as the GOP aggressively gerrymanders more districts to tilt future elections, underscoring how such power grabs and anti-democracy efforts are accelerating in Trump’s America and raising concerns for the rule of law and worker protections. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On The Rick Smith Show, Victoria Baranetsky, general counsel at the Center for Investigative Reporting, explains a landmark Ninth Circuit Court decision requiring the federal government to release diversity (EEO-1) data on contractors. The court narrowly interpreted Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, affirming the public’s right and journalists’ access to review workforce demographics of federal contractors—boosting transparency on corporate diversity. Rick Levy, President of Texas AFL-CIO, then discusses how Texas faces new threats: company towns, gerrymandering, poverty wages, and deadly working conditions, spotlighting ongoing struggles for worker justice. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On The Rick Smith Show, Patrick Carolan, Co-Chair of Catholics Vote Common Good, explores the dynamic influence of the Catholic vote in shaping America’s moral and political direction, emphasizing shifting demographics and values as seen in recent elections. Jason Walsh, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, confronts the Trump administration’s aggressive rollback of critical regulations protecting workers, spotlighting the disastrous increase in black lung cases among coal miners. Together, they discuss how faith, public health, and progressive coalition-building are vital in defending democracy and workers’ rights amid current political turbulence. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On The Rick Smith Show, Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, introduces his forthcoming book, Burned by Billionaires, exposing how the ultra-wealthy endanger American democracy, the economy, and the environment by concentrating power and rigging the system. Former Alabama Senator Doug Jones joins to discuss Trump’s attempt to steamroll Senate rules, threatening democratic norms, and analyzes revelations emerging from the Epstein files. The episode delivers piercing insights into threats facing equality, democracy, and public trust. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On The Rick Smith Show, Rick explores the state of freedom as Trump cements his authoritarian grip over America. Ken Mash, President of APSCUF, joins to discuss Trump’s escalating assault on public education—warning of deep threats to academic freedom and institutional independence. Alexandra Thornton, Senior Fellow in Financial Regulation at the Center for American Progress, exposes the dangers of unregulated cryptocurrencies and their potential impact on economic stability and working people. This episode delivers sharp, progressive perspectives and calls for vigilance as democracy and critical institutions face unprecedented challenges. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On The Rick Smith Show, Rick shares a powerful wheelchair encounter with a MAGA truck driver, using the moment to highlight how the ADA and “Big Government” laws protect everyone. Guest Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE, Co-Chair of Catholics Vote Common Good, joins to discuss her organization’s mission and argues for why Democrats and progressives must speak out and defend their values. The episode blends real-life advocacy with calls for solidarity and action from the political left. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Rick Smith Show features Phil Glover, AFGE District 3 National VP, discussing his union’s major legal victory upholding collective bargaining rights and confronting ongoing attacks from the Trump Administration on federal workers. Sarah Burris, reporter for Raw Story, joins to break down South Park’s latest Trump-focused episode and explore the controversy surrounding the recently released Epstein files. Their conversations highlight the ongoing fight for workers' rights and the implications of political satire and scandal in the current climate. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Rick Smith Show, guests Deepak Puri, Co-Founder of The Democracy Labs, and Marty Perlmutter, Executive Director of Nuclear Disarmament Renewal at the Carpenter Institute of Progressive Democrats of America, discuss the missions of their organizations. Democracy Labs harnesses affordable technology and creative innovation to strengthen democracy and support social justice campaigns. Both guests highlight why their efforts to equip activists and foster civic action are critical for protecting democracy in the challenges of the Trump era. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Colin Seeberger of the Center for American Progress examines the most harmful provisions of Trump’s OBBBA, highlighting threats to public services and economic fairness. Analilia Mejia, Executive Director of Popular Democracy, shares her organization’s mission and details the Defend the 14th campaign, which mobilizes grassroots action to protect the 14th Amendment against attempts to erode equal rights and citizenship protections. The show spotlights urgent political and constitutional challenges. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Laura Packard, founder of Voices of Health Care Action, joins us to break down the dangers of Trump’s “one big beautiful” health care bill—and what it means for future cancer patients like her. Later, Dr. Keith Pochick shares insights from his upcoming book Tickled Soul, reflecting on his bold journey from emergency room physician to middle school teacher in search of deeper purpose and fulfillment. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode of The Rick Smith Show features Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, who discusses the devastating impacts of Trump and the GOP's "One Big Nightmare" bill on rural hospitals and the broader health care industry. Samantha Sanders, Director of Government Affairs, joins to explain how GOP gig worker portability bills would loosen independent contractor rules, effectively granting employers immunity to exploit gig workers, and eroding crucial worker protections. The show exposes high-stakes threats to health care and workers' rights. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Rick Smith Show, AFT President Randi Weingarten joins to discuss the dangers of the Supreme Court allowing Trump to dismantle the Department of Education, emphasizing its impact on opportunity and fairness for students. Reporter Sarah Burris from Raw Story talks with Rick about the latest news from the Epstein files, the implications of six months of Trump back in the White House, and concerns over rising inflation affecting Americans. The show highlights critical threats facing public education and democracy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the Rick Smith Show, journalist Pat LaMarche from Bucks County Beacon discussed devastating new Medicaid cuts and the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, highlighting their disproportionate harm to poor and working-class Americans. She described how changes will strip coverage and critical care from thousands, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Stacy Shorter, President of AFGE Local 2328, explained concerns over the Supreme Court granting former President Trump the authority to fire federal workers at will, threatening job security and agency integrity. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the Rick Smith Show, Jordan Barab, former acting OSHA head under Obama, discussed how the Trump administration reduced OSHA fines and gutting funding for OSHA, weakening workplace safety deterrents. Rich Ojeda, a 24-year Army veteran and NC-9 congressional candidate, weighed in on Trump’s reversals regarding Ukraine policy and addressed the emerging Jeffrey Epstein files scandal, highlighting growing controversies and implications for U.S. politics. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the latest Rick Smith Show, Joe Hughes, Senior Analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), breaks down how Trump’s “Big Ugly Nightmare Bill” overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy while leaving working-class families behind. Hughes explains that the bill extends massive tax cuts for the top 1%, while cutting critical programs that support workers and communities. Margaret Cooney, Senior Campaign Manager at the Center for American Progress, discusses the Trump administration’s cuts to NOAA’s budget, highlighting how these reductions undermined the agency’s ability to provide timely flood warnings contributing to the deadly impact of the recent Central Texas floods. Together, they expose how Trump’s policies prioritize corporate profits and tax breaks for the rich over the safety and economic security of everyday Americans. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s Rick Smith Show, reporter Sarah Burris from Raw Story talks Epstein Files and the resulting MAGA freakout, highlighting right-wing outrage over revelations and their attempts to deflect blame. Rick also addressed the devastating Texas flood, framing it as yet another example of Republican anti-government ideology failing communities in crisis, and emphasizing the need for public investment and responsible governance to protect working families. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s Rick Smith Show, labor reporter Michael Sainato discussed the profound impact of recent ICE raids on workers, highlighting the fear and economic instability these operations create for immigrant communities and their employers. Investigative journalist Greg Palast then explored the fallout from the Trump-Musk breakup, analyzing its political and social implications, and what it reveals about shifting alliances among America’s most controversial public figures. Both segments offered sharp insights into current labor and political dynamics Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s Rick Smith Show, labor reporter Michael Sainato discussed the profound impact of recent ICE raids on workers, highlighting the fear and economic instability these operations create for immigrant communities and their employers. Investigative journalist Greg Palast then explored the fallout from the Trump-Musk breakup, analyzing its political and social implications, and what it reveals about shifting alliances among America’s most controversial public figures. Both segments offered sharp insights into current labor and political dynamics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Rick Smith Show features Phil Glover, AFGE Vice President, and Sam Newton, communications director of the Democratic Governors Association, discussing Donald Trump’s attacks on workers and the poor. Guests highlight threats to federal worker protections, union rights, and essential public services under Trump’s policies. Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com Want Merch? Check out our store HERE Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy