Friday Football: The collision of sports and politics with Joshua Robinson, Wall Street Journal Sports editor.
Sports is the last American monoculture — and that’s exactly why politicians, presidents, and luxury brands are all elbowing their way onto the field. Wall Street Journal sports editor Joshua Robinson joins Paul from the World Road Cycling Championships in Montreal to unpack how Trump contaminated a World Cup that was actually winning hearts, why Congress is suddenly obsessed with college football eligibility, and what the Ivy League still gets right about the game. Plus F1 dodging the Iran war, AI cracking chess, and a full Friday Football slate.
Sports may be the last thing left in American life that everyone watches at the same time. Eight of the top 10 live broadcasts last year…
The Brief
→ Four things from today’s episodeWhy live sports is the last American monoculture. and what that means for politics, luxury, and the MAGA machine
Joshua’s verdict on the World Cup. a win for America that Trump touched and contaminated
The Balogun affair and the unprecedented breach of the inter. The Balogun affair and the unprecedented breach of the international sports order
Ted Cruz getting booed on College GameDay and Congress grand. Ted Cruz getting booed on College GameDay and Congress grandstanding on NFL-to-college eligibility
Recent Episodes
Bob Chew: Colorado’s Independent Navy Vet taking on Hickenlooper — and the Republicans and Democrats. 52% reject the duopoly. $8T in debt and counting.
AI is THE national security issue. Is Trump gonna hit Cuba now? Is Space War Next?!?
Hurricane Season 2026. Trump hits the UNGA. Cuba, Iran, the media—all in the path of the storm.
Trump’s Iran War a “Sucking chest wound.” Seven republicans break on war powers. Canada to the EU. diesel over $6. 45% of US voters now independent. Media Blitz Pod
Can Ed Sheeran bring peace to the Middle East? Congress shuts down two weeks early. 19% Approval for Trump. The Iran War Grinds On. PLUS: Friday Football!
“They’re getting rich, you’re getting screwed.” Russia feeding Iran intel to kill Americans. LSU, Lane Kiffin, and the death of College football. Media blitz pod
Polygraphs, Purges, and the Snake Pit Inside Hegseth’s Pentagon. What is the Pentagon Doing About AI?
Hegseth’s chainsaw hits bone. 80 generals purged. A downed jet, a $100k missile, and a 60 Minutes propaganda play. Media Blitz Pod
By the Beat
→ 6 verticals we’re coveringGet TMI: The Morning Independent in your inbox.
Four things you need to know, every weekday morning. Pulled from the show, written by humans, free forever.