This week on The Necessary Conversation, Chad and Haley dive into a whirlwind of political chaos, corruption, and controversy with Mary Lou while Bob sleeps through most of the episode.

Topics discussed:

• Jimmy Kimmel Suspended: After Trump threatened ABC and FCC Chair Brendan Carr piled on, Kimmel was yanked off the air indefinitely. We break down the timeline, the First Amendment questions, and why Fox News hosts like Brian Kilmeade still get airtime even after calling for violence.
• Tom Homan’s $50K Bribe: Trump’s “border czar” was caught on hidden camera accepting cash from undercover FBI agents—yet Trump’s DOJ buried the case.
• Mississippi Hangings: Two men—Trey Reed, a Black student at Delta State, and Cory Zukatis, a homeless white man—were found hanging from trees. Conflicting reports and FBI inaction raise troubling questions.
• Charlie Kirk Assassination Texts: New transcripts of suspect Tyler Robinson’s alleged confession look more like bad movie dialogue than real evidence. Even Steve Bannon isn’t buying it.
• DOJ Deletes Terror Report: A study showing far-right extremists commit far more violence than the left suddenly vanished from DOJ’s website. We ask: why now?
• Trump Quotes of the Week: From admitting “smart people don’t like me” to labeling Antifa a “major terrorist organization,” Trump keeps pushing the limits of free speech and democracy.

💬 Do you think Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension is a First Amendment violation?
💬 Are the Charlie Kirk texts real or staged?
💬 Should the DOJ be allowed to bury inconvenient data?

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments. New full episodes every Sunday + daily clips on YouTube, IG and TikTok.

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week’s episode of The Necessary Conversation dives into one of the most chaotic weeks in American politics yet.

👉 Topics We Cover:

Charlie Kirk Assassinated

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. We break down what happened, the shooter’s identity, Trump’s reaction, and how white supremacist groups are already trying to weaponize his death. We also compare it to other recent political assassinations, like the killing of Rep. Melissa Hortman, and debate whether video games, the internet, or guns themselves are to blame.

Trump’s Health in Question

At the 9/11 commemoration, Trump appeared with a droop on one side of his face — fueling speculation about a stroke. Combined with bruised hands and swollen ankles, questions about his fitness are louder than ever. Should the White House tell the truth if the President has a stroke? Would you still support him if his health collapses?

Epstein Files Blocked

Senate Republicans voted against releasing the Epstein files, with only Rand Paul and Josh Hawley siding with Democrats. Meanwhile, Trump now calls the files a “hoax” despite his own name appearing in Epstein’s infamous birthday book. We ask: Why are Republicans hiding this? Do you believe Trump’s denial?

ICE Raids Return

The Supreme Court voted 6–3 to let ICE resume “roving raids” where people can be detained based on race, language, or occupation. Civil rights groups call it racial profiling; Trump calls it law and order. We debate: should ICE really have the power to grab people off the street?

🕊 Simmer Down

After all that intensity, we take a lighter turn: what’s the craziest, most impulsive thing you’ve ever done?

✨ Drop your thoughts in the comments: Was Charlie Kirk a martyr? Is Trump too sick to lead? Should the Epstein files be public?

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week’s episode of The Necessary Conversation is a little different. With our parents absent — after the loss of their beloved dog, Kitty Kat Sugar Bear, and Dad recovering from a fall — it’s just Chad and Haley behind the mics.

We take this moment to reflect on what 3 years of doing this show has meant for us, our family, and our listeners. From fiery debates to unexpected breakthroughs, the journey has been as messy as it has been meaningful.

💬 Topics We Cover:

The Show

• How 3 years of weekly arguments have changed us
• What friends, coworkers, and family think about the podcast
• Are we still glad we’re doing it?

Family Dynamics

• Rising tensions, especially with Dad
• Do Mom and Dad actually believe the extreme things they say on air?
• Can the show change their views?
• Worries about Dad’s health — and the possibility of him moving in with Haley
• Talking to our kids about politics & Trump’s America

Politics

• Are there any “good” billionaires?
• Is America already authoritarian?
• Can Democrats turn things around — or have Republicans already won?
• What does a post-Trump America look like?
• Will Trump supporters ever change their minds?

It’s an unfiltered, intimate conversation — just the siblings this time — as we look back, look forward, and ask: Has this podcast made any difference at all?

👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Do you think debates like this can actually change minds?
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Sunday + daily clips.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week on The Necessary Conversation we cover one of the heaviest news weeks yet.

👉 Here’s what we dive into:

🏫 School Shooting in Minneapolis

A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School left 2 children dead and 17 others injured. We discuss the shooter’s identity, manifesto, and why gun violence has now become the #1 cause of death for kids in America.

⛳️ Trump Rumors & Golfing Again

Trump vanished from public view for 4 days, sparking #trumpdead trends online. JD Vance even said he was “ready to step in” if tragedy struck. But Trump reappeared—on the golf course, again. We unpack the health rumors, bruised hands, and succession talk.

🇺🇸 Burning the Flag

Trump signed an executive order criminalizing flag burning, despite Supreme Court precedent. An Army vet was arrested protesting in DC. Free speech or disrespect?

📰 Israel Kills Journalists

Israel’s double-strike tactic at Nasser Hospital killed at least 20 people, including 5 journalists and medical staff. We discuss whether this marks a turning point in calling the Gaza war a genocide.

🧪 CDC in Crisis

Trump fired CDC Director Susan Monarez less than a month after appointing her. Top officials resigned, dozens of employees walked out, and RFK Jr. is reshaping vaccine policy with skeptics on advisory boards. Is the CDC being dismantled from within?

📦 No More Mail

Trump axed the “de minimis” exemption, forcing tariffs on low-value imports. Now over 25 countries—including the UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia—are suspending shipments to the U.S. What does this mean for consumers?

🐾 Simmer Down

Not everything’s heavy—this week, we lighten up with Taylor & Travis.

💬 Join the debate: Should flag burning be illegal? Is Trump’s health failing? Why is America leading the world in school shootings? And would you give up your guns if it ended school shootings forever?

📌 Subscribe for new episodes every Sunday
📲 Daily clips on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube Shorts
🔔 Hit the bell & join the conversation!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week on The Necessary Conversation:

🗳 Texas vs. California

Texas Republicans delayed flood relief to ram through a redistricting bill flipping up to 5 House seats. Gavin Newsom fired back with the Election Rigging Response Act. Is this tit-for-tat how democracy is supposed to work?

📺 Newsmax Lied

After years of pushing election conspiracies, Newsmax will pay Dominion $67 million in a defamation settlement. First Fox, now this. Is conservative media finally paying for the Big Lie?

📬 No More Mail-In Ballots

Trump vowed to end mail-in voting before the 2026 midterms — citing Putin of all people as backup. He claimed the U.S. is the only country using them (false: at least 34 do, including Russia). With 99 million ballots mailed in 2024, does ending them destroy fair elections?

👼 Will Trump Go to Heaven?

Trump told Fox & Friends:

🖥 Welcome to Communist America?

The Trump admin just bought 10% of Intel — $8.9B worth. The U.S. government is now its biggest shareholder. Is this strategy, socialism, or self-enrichment?

📱 The White House on TikTok

Trump once pushed to ban TikTok — but now the White House has an official account posting pro-Trump propaganda. Mixed messaging or smart youth outreach?

🐾 Simmer Down

Not everything is fire and brimstone — this week we celebrate Kitty Kat Sugar Bear’s 14th birthday. 🎂🐶

💬 Join the debate: Should states redraw maps mid-decade? Should mail-in voting die? Will Trump ever face consequences? Or should we just eat cake with Kitty Kat?

📌 Subscribe for new episodes every Sunday
📲 Follow us on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube Shorts for daily clips
🔔 Hit the bell to never miss a Necessary Conversation

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week on The Necessary Conversation, the Kultgen family breaks down a wild stretch of politics at home and abroad—while celebrating three years of arguing, laughing, and surviving together.

🇷🇺 Trump & Putin: Red Carpet in Alaska

Donald Trump rolled out literal red carpet treatment for Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. The pageantry included flyovers, limo rides, and fawning photo ops—but no ceasefire deal for Ukraine. We discuss the ICC arrest warrant for Putin, the abduction of nearly 19,000 Ukrainian children, and whether Trump’s “end the war in 24 hours” promise is officially broken.

🪖 Martial Law in D.C.

For the first time ever, Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to seize control of the D.C. police and deploy 800 National Guard troops. He claims crime is “out of control,” even as statistics show violent crime at a 30-year low. He also hinted at federal takeovers in Chicago, LA, NYC, Baltimore, and Oakland. Is this democracy—or something closer to authoritarian control?

💰 Trump’s Billions

The New Yorker reports Trump has profited $3.4 billion during his presidencies, with the bulk coming from crypto schemes, Mar-a-Lago, PAC money, and merchandising. We break down the biggest numbers and ask whether any president should be allowed to profit like this.

🚨 Criminalizing Homelessness

Trump signed executive directives turning homelessness itself into a crime, clearing 70+ encampments in D.C. under a “no-tolerance” policy. We ask whether arrests solve anything—or simply punish the vulnerable.

📉 Inflation, Jobs & Trump’s Numbers Game

With inflation spiking and jobs growth lagging, Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner and installed a loyalist. We dig into whether future “official numbers” will be fact or fiction.

🌉 Gavin Newsom Trolls Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom clapped back at Trump with parody “all caps” tweets and unveiled a plan to redraw districts that could flip five House seats. Is this trolling—or a serious counterstrike?

🔑 Episode Highlights

• Trump & Putin’s red carpet meeting (and war crimes)
• Trump’s martial law move in D.C.
• The New Yorker exposé on Trump’s billions
• Criminalizing homelessness in America
• Inflation spike & Trump’s BLS purge
• Gavin Newsom vs. Trump: Troll War

👉 What do YOU think: Is Trump protecting America—or himself?
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the debate.

#Trump #Putin #Ukraine #Newsom #PoliticsPodcast #TheNecessaryConversation

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week on The Necessary Conversation, Chad and Haley face off with Mary Lou (Bob’s still out recovering from hip surgery!) in another fiery family debate that mixes breaking headlines with our signature cross-generational, cross-political banter.

Topics include:

• Trump–Putin Alaska Summit: Why Zelenskyy’s not invited, the $300B deal on the table, and what happens if Ukraine refuses to sign.
• Texas Democrats Skip Town: The mass walkout to block GOP redistricting, Abbott’s legal threats, and whether blue states will retaliate.
• Trump Burger Owner Deported: Roland Mehrez Beainy’s immigration scandal—and what it says about loyalty in MAGA world.
• Trump on the Roof: The bizarre “nuclear missiles” moment and whether this is presidential behavior or something else entirely.
• Gaza Crisis Escalates: Israel moves to take Gaza City despite international backlash—what consequences, if any, Netanyahu might face.
• White House Goes Full Mar-a-Lago: Trump’s Rose Garden demolition, fake gold overload, and a $200M donor-funded ballroom while Americans struggle to put food on the table.

Simmer Down: If you could bring back one pet from the dead—who would it be, and why?

🔥 Politics, absurdity, and family dynamics collide in every episode—whether you’re red, blue, or somewhere in between.

#Trump #Putin #Ukraine #Texas #Redistricting #WhiteHouse #Politics #FamilyPodcast #FOOLSGOLD

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com

This week on The Necessary Conversation, it’s just Mary Lou and Chad behind the mic—no Bob, no Haley—as we mark (almost!) three years of raw, honest political dialogue. We reflect on the very first episode of the show from August 17, 2022 and ask: has this podcast changed us? Has it brought us closer—or just made things even weirder?

📼 Then we dive into the biggest headlines of the week:

• Trump’s Name Redacted from the Epstein Files?
  Bloomberg reports the FBI removed Trump’s name from public Epstein docs before FOIA release. As pressure mounts, Trump flees to Scotland and threatens to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, who was just moved to minimum-security prison after cooperating with his DOJ.
• Lawrence Taylor on Trump’s Fitness Council?!
  Trump revives the Presidential Fitness Test, tapping athletes like Bryson DeChambeau—and shockingly, registered sex offender Lawrence Taylor. Is this who we want shaping the future of kids’ health?
• Starvation in Gaza
  A UN-backed report shows Gaza has reached famine conditions. Over 120 dead from starvation, including 83 children. Israel allows only a fraction of the aid trucks needed. And over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to get food. We ask: Is this intentional?
• Smithsonian Erases Trump from History
  The National Museum of American History just removed Trump’s name from the presidential impeachment exhibit. Coincidence—or presidential pressure?
• Ghislaine Maxwell’s Quiet Upgrade
  Now at a minimum-security dorm-style prison, Maxwell is reportedly cooperating for a pardon. Her survivors—including Virginia Giuffre—are furious.

🟢 Subscribe, share, and drop a comment—do YOU think Trump’s name is in the Epstein files?

#TheNecessaryConversation #EpsteinList #TrumpNews #Gaza #GhislaineMaxwell #PresidentialFitness #PoliticsPodcast #Trump2025 #PodcastClips

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to:
thenecessaryconversationpod@gmail.com