The Rick Smith Show

On the Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with Guardian labor reporter Michael Sainato about the major court ruling halting the Trump administration’s mass firing of federal workers, a decision the judge called “likely illegal.” Sainato explains how the case challenges Trump’s sweeping executive order, which aimed to dismantle key agencies and gut collective bargaining rights, and what the fight means for millions of public servants and the future of organized labor. Later, Thomas Gatley, owner of Lone Fir Fitness and chair of the Kernside Business Association, joins to promote Portland’s “No Kings Rally,” debunking right-wing myths that the city is “burning” and celebrating community resilience. 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 talks with Greg LeRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, about 10 years of tracking corporate greed and their new study highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of a “Fix It First” infrastructure policy and investment in urban density. LeRoy explains how repairing existing infrastructure creates more jobs, saves taxpayer money, and curbs sprawl. Later, Teamsters Local 1932 leader Randy Korgan joins to stress the urgent need for a united labor front against attacks on public sector workers and why organizing Amazon is essential to the future strength of the American labor movement. 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 dives into the real toll of Trump’s war on government with Mother Jones reporter Julia Métraux, discussing her latest piece, “The Human Costs of Trump’s War on Government.” Métraux exposes the suffering of disabled federal workers and families caught in the chaos of shutdowns, layoffs, and dismantled public services. Later, Raw Story reporter Sarah Burris joins to unpack Trump’s bizarre claim he’s “not getting into heaven,” his shutdown brinkmanship, and his growing obsession with political retribution. Together, they paint a sharp picture of power, cruelty, and the everyday Americans paying the price for it. 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

Rick Smith talks with Will Rice, policy consultant for Americans for Tax Fairness, about how the Trump administration’s shutdown is deepening inequality while corporate America rakes in billions from Trump’s “Big Billionaire Bailout.” Rice explains how the wealthy thrive as essential federal workers and services are left hanging. Later, Monica Cary, Pennsylvania State Director of Solar United Neighbors, discusses the 16% spike in electricity prices leaving households paying $25–$30 more each month. She argues that real relief requires stronger solar investment, local energy independence, and policy reforms that prioritize families over corporate utility profits. 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

Rick Smith talks with Graham Trainor, president of the Oregon AFL-CIO, who debunks media myths about “war-torn” Portland, describing a peaceful, united city resisting Trump’s attempted militarization. Trainor explains how Oregon’s labor movement and local leaders are standing firm against federal overreach and fighting to protect jobs, rights, and democracy. Later, comedian and podcaster Pete Dominick joins the show, bringing humor and hope to dark times. He argues that laughter, free speech, and community action are essential tools for confronting authoritarianism—and proves that even in chaos, collective resistance and courage can still prevail. 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

Rick Smith speaks with Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, about how the Trump administration’s government lockout is being used to undermine and ultimately dismantle Social Security under the guise of saving it. Later, Patrick Crowley, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, discusses his organization’s lawsuit against the Trump EPA, aimed at restoring funding for the Solar for All program. Crowley explains the program’s critical role in expanding renewable energy access and creating union jobs, and why protecting it is essential for both environmental progress and economic justice in Rhode Island and beyond. 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

Rick Smith speaks with labor attorney David Borer of Gilbert Employment Law about troubling news that the Office of Management and Budget has quietly removed from its shutdown guidance all references to the 2019 law guaranteeing back pay for federal workers. Later, Johnny Jones, President of AFGE Local 1040 and a TSA officer in Dallas, describes how “payless paydays” devastate families, forcing federal employees to rely on credit, food banks, and community support while still expected to show up and protect the public. 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, LIUNA President Brent Booker blasts the Trump administration’s attack on working families but using the government shutdown to defund, cancel, and pause critical infrastructure projects in states like NY and Illinois that voted against Trump in 2024. Booker details how these political tactics directly harm construction workers and communities by freezing billions for transit upgrades and other publicly supported jobs. Journalist Sarah Burris joins to report on extreme federal government overreach in Chicago, including the deployment of National Guard troops and the damaging effects of the shutdown, calling for transparency and urgent resistance to assaults on labor, public funding, and local self-governance. 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 is joined by Dave Demas, President of AFGE Local 3003, who details the immense strain placed on federal correction officers during the government shutdown. Officers are forced to work without pay, worsening understaffing, financial pressures, and dangerous working conditions in prisons, all while union contract protections have been stripped away, a blow to safety and morale. Mark Cochran, President of AFGE Local 3145 and Council 270, shares how the shutdown is devastating the National Parks Service as staff face unpaid work or furloughs, maintenance and services grind to a halt, and public access suffers, threatening both worker security and treasured public spaces. 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 talks with Greg LeRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, about 10 years of tracking corporate greed and their new study highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of a “Fix It First” infrastructure policy and investment in urban density. LeRoy explains how repairing existing infrastructure creates more jobs, saves taxpayer money, and curbs sprawl. Later, Teamsters Local 1932 leader Randy Korgan joins to stress the urgent need for a united labor front against attacks on public sector workers and why organizing Amazon is essential to the future strength of the American labor movement. 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, ironworker and congressional candidate Randy Bryce discusses his campaign to challenge Trump-aligned incumbent Bryan Steil, emphasizing the need for real working-class representation and critiquing Trump and Hegseth’s political theater at Quantico as performative distraction from issues facing labor and families. Debbie White, RN and president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, warns the looming government shutdown could devastate U.S. health care, risking pay, staffing, and vital patient services, and calls for urgent action and solidarity to protect frontline workers and communities. 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 talks with Bobby Kogan, Senior Director of Budget Policy at the Center for American Progress, about the looming government shutdown and how Trump’s promises now lack credibility for working families. Later, Virginia Burger, Senior Defense Policy Analyst at the Project on Government Oversight, reacts to the spectacle of the Trump-Hegseth Quantico military event, raising alarms about the normalization of authoritarian displays and the real dangers of unchecked executive power in a divided nation, with both guests calling for vigilant, democratic action. 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 discusses the backdrop of a looming government shutdown and a military pow wow at Quantico, spotlighting national uncertainty. Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley joins to celebrate a historic labor peace agreement between SouthCoast Wind and New England unions—the first of its kind for U.S. offshore wind operations. Crowley highlights the 2.4-gigawatt project’s promise of thousands of good union jobs, better wages, family security, and lower energy bills across three states, while addressing political resistance to renewables and labor’s resolve to champion working communities. 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, Lisa Graves, founder of True North Research, tackles the historic indictment of ex-FBI Director James Comey, warning it signals Trump’s turn to open political retribution and a slide toward authoritarianism at the federal level. Graves calls for grassroots vigilance to protect constitutional principles in the face of escalating propaganda and voter suppression. Then, Michael Sainato of The Guardian details the gutting of the Department of Labor under Trump chronic understaffing, lost worker protections, regressive tariffs, and historically low union membership underscoring the urgent need for state-led resistance and collective action to defend 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

On The Rick Smith Show, Raw Story’s Sarah Burris explains President Trump’s sweeping order giving the War Secretary “Full Force” authority in Portland, fueling aggressive crackdowns. She discusses how the administration’s push to prosecute James Comey signals an escalation in targeting political opponents. Burris also breaks down the “shock” resignation of Oklahoma Education head Ryan Walters amid mounting lawsuits and political fallout. Later, AFGE District 3 VP Phil Glover joins Rick to assess the impact of Trump’s removal of collective bargaining rights for Federal Prison workers, warning of dire consequences for safety and fairness on the job. 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, Rick dives into the politics of posthumous martyrdom with congressional candidate Rich Ojeda, who takes aim at the push to canonize Charlie Kirk with commemorative coins and warns against opportunistic, divisive legislation. Mary Cathryn Ricker, executive director of the Albert Shanker Institute, joins to dissect Oklahoma’s mandate for Turning Point USA chapters in every high school, defending the professionalism and student-centered focus of America’s educators. Together, their perspectives call for unity, practical reform, and a renewed commitment to students and honest public policy. 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

Rick Smith welcomes Rutgers lecturer Mark Weber, who analyzes Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters’ dramatic push to put Turning Point USA chapters in every school—a move hailed as a major MAGA initiative but fraught with controversy over politicizing education in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death. Weber highlights resistance from local educators and questions the long-term impact. Brent Booker, president of LIUNA, joins to discuss the Revolution Wind decision and its importance for union labor, environmental standards, and job creation, illustrating ongoing fights for worker rights and the complex future of American infrastructure. 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

Rick Smith sits down with Stuart Appelbaum, president of RWDSU, to unpack the impact of President Trump’s inflationary spiral and flawed tariff policy on working families. Appelbaum addresses the White House’s latest anti-labor moves and highlights how solidarity helped return Jimmy Kimmel to late-night TV. Rick reflects on Trump, the “unitarian executive” racing toward unprecedented attacks on independent agencies. Rick calls for urgent action to defending democracy, worker rights, and unity as workers faces constant political and economic challenges in a divided America. 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

Rick Smith talks with Raw Story’s Sarah Burris about the packed, emotional Kirk memorial, where conservatives, led by President Trump, hailed Charlie Kirk as a martyr and vowed to carry his work forward. Burris explores the right’s push to make Kirk an enduring symbol of their movement. Then, Randi Weingarten, president of AFT, joins to discuss her new book “Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy,” highlighting education’s crucial role in defending democracy, and why organized educators remain a thorn in the side of authoritarian 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

Rick is joined by Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA, and Matthew Cunningham-Cook, reporter with the Center for Media and Democracy, to examine the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on journalism and the free press. Schleuss highlights the heightened threats facing reporters, the erosion of press freedoms, and the dangers posed to democracy when truth-tellers are targeted. Cunningham-Cook digs into the coordinated efforts to delegitimize journalists, silence watchdogs, and shield power from accountability. Together, they discuss why defending a free and independent press is critical in this moment, and how citizens can push back against this authoritarian trend. 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