In this second episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Veronica Spedner, a veteran special education teacher working in one of Oregon's most diverse high schools. Veronica shares how her core values—hard work, preparation, and inclusion—guide her daily work with students who have IEPs. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students not just academically, but socially and emotionally, so they can thrive beyond high school, whether in college, the workforce, or independent living. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Veronica critiques the current political climate, expressing deep concern about efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back DEI policies. She argues that the erosion of federal oversight could severely impact students with disabilities, English learners, and other marginalized groups. Veronica shares her fears that without strong federal protections, we risk returning to an era of segregation and exclusion. Her response to Project 2025 is blunt: “It feels like we’re going backward.” But amid these challenges, Veronica remains hopeful. She believes in the resilience of educators and the power of inclusive classrooms where students with disabilities not only belong but also enrich the learning experience for everyone. Her message to policymakers is clear: spend time in public schools, talk to students, and see the impact of inclusive education firsthand. This episode is a powerful reminder that equity in education isn’t a luxury, it’s a legal and moral imperative.

In this introductory episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo speaks with Dr. Gina Rogers, a middle school educator, about the emotional and political landscape facing her English Language Development (ELD) students in the United States. As the lead teacher for a newcomer program serving refugee and immigrant students, Dr. Rogers discusses the challenges her students face, from navigating school for the first time in a new country to coping with fears of deportation and housing instability. She describes the heightened stress levels in her classroom after the election and the profound impact of national uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s future under Trump’s administration. Drawing from her personal journey as a Romanian immigrant during the Carter era, Dr. Rogers emphasizes the power of safety, stability, and compassion in the classroom. This heartfelt conversation blends policy, pedagogy, and personal experience, showing that in a time of political upheaval, educators like Dr. Rogers are fighting to keep schools a sanctuary for their most vulnerable students.

The podcast begins with Rick and Tim's reaction to the 2024 election results of the first election in US history where an adjudicated rapist, convicted felon, and insurrectionist won a presidential election. Topics include Elon Musk, Luigi Mangione, immigration, and what went wrong with Kamala Harris's election campaign.

What did President Biden accomplish during his historic presidential term? Rick and Tim break it all down, covering the highs, the lows, and the Trump controversies. They explore Biden's 50-year career in politics, touching on everything from the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to the passing of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. They also discuss Biden's role in key issues like the DACA program, the 2023 railroad strike, and his attempt at the most comprehensive border bill ever proposed to the Senate—only to see it blocked by MAGA politicians who wanted it for Trump's own political gains. The conversation also delves into Biden's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the contentious claim of his part in the so-called "genocide" of Palestinians. Tim highlights Biden's achievements with the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps insulin costs and implements regulations to rein in big pharma, alongside efforts to allocate funds for student loan relief. The discussion turns to the fairness of college loans issued by banks and whether they were given with good intentions. Tim argues that insurance is a scam and suggests, "As a community, we should have the capability to take care of ourselves. Insurance exists to serve their interests, not ours." Rick raises the question of whether the Democratic Party and the media were opportunistic in their handling of Biden's poor debate performance. Tim believes Biden was over-prepared and got lost in his talking points, while Rick thinks Biden was set up as a sacrificial lamb. Who was responsible for the missteps—Biden himself or his team? This week's "Let's Trigger Rictor" is about what Donald Trump says about being a dictator on day one. Clips included are from CNN, NBC News, ABC News, C-SPAN, The White House, TikTokkers: charpmedia, civicsdean, empiricaluniversity, and yahoonews.

Trump’s rogue Supreme Court has done something unthinkable and unimaginable. They have given him immunity with king-like powers. How do we save our country from this radical shift toward autocracy? Did Ruth Bader Ginsburg let us down by not retiring sooner? What kind of court reform must be done if the Democrats win the election? What can be done? Do we stack the court? Impeach the biased and compromised judges? Create term limits? Codify Roe vs. Wade into law? Rick and Tim talk about what they think should happen to bring our nation back to normal and they both have different opinions. Who will these radical Christian nationalists target next? This episode is a comprehensive review of the current unprecedented judicial system that will have a lasting impact on our country for 50 years to come. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the commercialization of Gay Pride. is it a good thing? This podcast continues the ongoing discussion regarding the evolution of this corrupt and unprecedented Supreme Court in American history. Clips include NBC News, MSNBC, The Washington Post, Al Jazeera English, Black History In Two Minutes Or So, and TikTokkers jordan.thewlis, doingdarciethings, thedemocrats, stormqbreaker, glamourmag, davidpakmanshow, nowthisimpact, matthewcummingsuellar, and bmbempower8.

If you wish to write a letter to the Supreme Court, the address is:

Supreme Court of the United States 1 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20543

For the premiere episode of season 2, Rick and Tim talk about ghosts. Things have made Rick a believer; whereas Tim is still skeptical. Has Rick's involvement with the Bigfoot world ruined any skeptical integrity he may have? Or is he able to see things from a different perspective? Tim and Rick discover they both have a commonality with their experiences... unexplained phenomena affecting their lights and electrical equipment. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the rematch we never asked for: Biden vs. Trump. God help us. Media clips are included from The Sixth Sense, Ghostbusters, Southpark, Poltergeist, Ghost, and The Shining.

The twice impeached, quadrupled indicted criminal ex-president, Donald John Trump, is now facing a grand total of 91 felonies that include racketeering and conspiracy charges to steal the 2020 presidential election. Georgia’s Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis is playing hardball and brought RICO charges against Trump and his merry band of sycophants. On this podcast, Rick and Tim break down the 13 charges Trump is facing and who his naughty accomplices are. He is charged with violating state racketeering laws and soliciting a public official to violate his oath of office (Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger), conspiring to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiring to file false documents, and making false statements.

Trump’s criminal enterprise includes our 911 fallen America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, farting his way into infamy with, like Trump, also has 13 charges. The blond Twitter troll and MAGA blond bimbo, Jenna Ellis, has 2 charges of her own for interfering with the election. The cuckoo lady, Sidney Powell, is facing 7 counts of violating Georgia’s racketeering laws, conspiracy to commit election fraud, conspiracy to commit computer theft, conspiracy to commit computer trespass, conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, and conspiracy to defraud the state. Attorney Kenneth Chesebro has 7 counts against him because he was the first to suggest the false electors strategy. Trump’s coup architect, John Eastman, has 9 charges, and Trump’s Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, has 2 counts of conspiracy for allegedly being deeply involved in the efforts to keep Trump in power. He organized phone calls with Georgia state officials and communicated with Trump allies as they pushed election conspiracy theories. Justice Department lawyer, Jeffrey Clark, has 2 counts of violating the state’s racketeering laws and a criminal attempt to create false statements and writings.

MAGA school teacher Cathy Latham has 11 counts of attempting to steal the election as a fake elector. Georgia State Senator Shawn Still has 7 counts as a fake elector along with David Shafer who has 8 counts for being a fraud. He portrayed himself as the “chairperson” of the Electoral College of Georgia and filed 16 fake electoral votes for Trump.

Illinois police officer Stephen Lee has 5 counts for intimidating election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. Kanye West’s publicist, Trevian Kutti, has 3 counts for trying to intimidate Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. The Director of Black Voices for Trump Willy Floyd has 3 counts for arranging Trevian Kutti to meet Ruby and Shay. Robert Cheeley has 10 counts going against him, Michael Roman has 7 counts, Ray Stallings Smith the 3rd has a staggering 12 counts, Coffee County election supervisor Misty Hampton has 7 counts of conspiracy for helping Trump supporters access Coffee County’s voting equipment. Last but not least, Trump supporter, Bail Bondsman Scott Graham, has 7 counts for messing with the voting equipment in a restricted area.

Tim successfully triggers Rick with this week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment regarding MAGA and what should be done to them. Clips include reformed MAGA insurrectionist Pam Hemphill, testimony from the January 6 Commission, MSNBC, Vice News, and CNN.

The United States of America vs Donald Trump indictment includes the accusations that Trump knew he lost the 2020 election even though his officials told him so. It also alleges Trump enlisted the help of six co-conspirators (and we think we know who four of them are). It has the false elector scheme and a top justice department officials’ effort to delay election certification. Trump turned on Pence as January Six approached, and details how Trump reacted to the attack on the Capitol. As of the podcast recording, Trump faces 78 felony charges in total stemming from the Stormy Daniels Case, the stealing classified documents, and the January Six Insurrection. We don’t know what the Georgia indictments will bring just yet.

Rick and Tim go over Trump's J6 co-conspirators: Rudy Giuliani (Mr. Farts and Sexual Harassment), John Eastman (Mr. I Plead The Fifth), Sidney Powell (Ms. Dominion Cuckoo), and Jeffrey Clark (Mr. Insurrection Architect). They also try to guess who the other unnamed conspirators are. Who could they be? Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows? Former Senior Advisor Jared Kushner? Attorney Kenneth Chesebro? Wife of Supreme Court Justice Ginni Thomas? And then there’s Steven Miller, Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, and Pillow Boy Mike Lindell. Trump's defense for inciting the insurrection is Freedom of Speech. But his words, “Fight like hell” aren't an opinion, it’s direction. Rick asks Tim why does the Republican Party still put Trump on a golden pedestal? Tim’s answer: Because they can’t afford to lose their base. The recent New York Times/Sienna Poll is discussed and the reason why Republicans still like Trump is because he’s “fun.”

Mitch McConnell was booed at a recent political event which brings up the discussion of Republicans abusing our political institutions by not playing fair, and trying to do everything they can to gain power, even if it means exploitation through disruption. That also includes using religion as a tool to gain power and money. For example, what the previous Wyoming representative, Liz Cheney, once claimed Democrats were doing to babies. Mike Pence has finally flipped on Trump, but is it too little too late? Trump’s Mobb-like social media posts are filled with innuendo and are going to be getting him in trouble with the Department of Justice. Republican candidate Chris Christie has a few things to say about Donald Trump and Tim thinks Christie knows he's not going to win and is only doing this to bring down Donald Trump.

This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about Jason Aldean and his MAGAtastic song, “In A Small Town.” Clips included are from NBC News, CNN, Politico, and TikTokker TheRealDoubledeemuva.