American Friction (Podmasters)

Trump and Zelenskyy’s fallout in the Oval Office, egged on by Vice President JD Vance, shocked onlookers and has left the world reeling. So, what comes next? Jarv and Nikki are joined by Matt Duss, executive director of the center for international policy and co-host of the The Un-Diplomatic Podcast, to discuss the fallout and what it means.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Trump’s guilty verdict sends his supporters totally off the deep end as they call for violence. We discuss the craziness and how more ordinary Americans have reacted too. And, the Freedom Caucus is full of drama – we explain the right-wing Mean Girls. Plus, election denial and why covid conspiracies still matter.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American politics has been a real treat this year, hasn’t it? Lol. Well, it’s been interesting at least so the gang unpacks the key moments and lessons from a year that saw Trump elected President again.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/americanfriction Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Trump is desperate for relevance so he’s tried chatting to Musk and pushing AI theories about crowds at Harris rallies. Plus, Project 2025 is pushing more crazy policies for the next conservative US president. Andy Kroll, from ProPublica, obtained 14 hours of videos from the group – he explains what they mean and the ties to Trump they reveal.     Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics.     Follow us on social media:     Twitter  Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump made it abundantly clear he doesn’t care about human rights this week, if it were ever in doubt. Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpack another horrifying week – and put into context just how unbelievably messed up what’s happening is.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Kamala Harris is all set to replace Biden in 2024 – how’re things going so far? We unpack the ‘Brat’ meme tidal wave, her fundraising triumphs and everything else you need to know. Very, very special guest Molly Jong-Fast, Vanity Fair correspondent and host of Fast Politics, joins us to give her take on Biden dropping out and what will come next.  Then Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the rest, including some very unfortunate sofa rumours.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is backing Elon Musk in a major clash with MAGA loyalists. So why is the president-to-be siding with the Tesla boss? Plus – we all know what happened on January 6th 2021. Should we be worried about any chaos this time out?  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Trump is taking aim at Biden’s cognitive abilities – while showing his own shortcomings in the process. Who’s winning the battle of the brains? Plus, as weird clips of each candidate spread across the internet, media reporter Justin Baragona joins us to discuss the ‘cheap fake’ trend.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The amount of scandals in US politics right now is hard to keep up with. But, fear not – we’re here to catch you up. And, we discuss what the latest Trump, Robinson, Adams and RFK Jr. stories mean for the election.  Plus, Peter Baker, chief White House Correspondent for the New York Times, joins Nikki and Jacob to discuss the feeling around the White House, how Biden fits into the race, and give his views on how things are going on the campaign trail.  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk is taking over and shutting down chunks of government with help from his merry band of young mega nerds. What’s going on? And why is nobody stopping him? And Trump is talking about yet more expansion for the United States, now turning his focus to Gaza. Why’s he pushing for a new frontier?   Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  This week Chris and Jarv are joined once again by Casey Burgat, author of We Hold These "Truths": How to Spot the Myths that are Holding America Back – who is their very close second favourite American, Nikki’s still first.  Plus new guest Greg Grandin, Yale professor and author of the upcoming book America, America: A New History of the New World, joins to talk through the history of American imperialism and expansion.  Buy We Hold These "Truths": How to Spot the Myths that are Holding America Back through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Buy America, America: A New History of the New World through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrat incumbents are bracing for a raft of primary challengers in upcoming elections. Among those vying for a seat is Kat Abughazaleh, who’s appeared on the show in her role as an expert on right-wing disinfo. Now, she’s running for Congress and joined Jarv and Nikki to discuss what she’d want to do differently, what Democrats should be doing differently – and who among them should probably just step aside.  For more info on Kat’s campaign visit: https://www.katforillinois.com/  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk seems to be p*ssing off everyone – including members of the Trump cabinet. But, the president is still backing him and he’s still ploughing on with his DOGE plans. Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpack the latest mishaps and discuss how long Musk will last. Plus, we round up other news and answer listener questions!  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump and Musk are taking an axe to chunks of America’s social security infrastructure – so just how badly will this hurt ordinary citizens? Justin Glawe, independent journalist and founder of American Doom, joins Jarv and Nikki to discuss.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump is president elect. F*ck’s sake, Chris and Jarv were right and Nikki’s fears were realised. There’s no beating around the bush, this looks like a terrible night for Democrats and democracy at large. In an early hours record, we pick over what we know so far as Trump declares victory and TV stations call it. The Senate has gone GOP too, who knows how the House will go.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, what a month it’s been. Trump was sworn in a month ago and we figured we’d rate his time in office so far. Plus, we discuss the latest Elon Musk weirdness after his and president’s love-in on Fox News. All that and more in a bumper panel episode – and we’ll be back with our interview episode on Monday!  Back us on Patreon, we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramírez and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is tanking the US economy – what’s going to go wrong next? And how’s his job as a Tesla salesman going? We unpack all the latest American political mayhem.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s tariffs speech was as weird and confusing as you’d imagine – and has ended up causing more frustration than liberation. What’s going on and is it good for anyone? Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss all that and more from the weird world of US politics.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new series counting down to the US Presidential Election – and explaining the nightmare to British audience. This time: How is Trump doing in court? We speak about his alleged but literal spanking, as described by Stormy Daniels. And we ask – what will voters think of it all? Plus, QAnon – how are conspiracy wingnuts shaping the election? Then we dig into the latest polling, look at Marjorie Taylor Greene’s latest failure and much more.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, joins Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones to discuss the latest issues in US politics – and Mike Rothschild, author of Jewish Space Lasers and The Storm is Upon Us, dials in to discuss conspiracy theories – and how they might change how voters think.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s allies, including JD Vance and Elon Musk, think he should just ignore the courts that try to stop his actions. Can he? What would happen if he did? Plus, while the MAGA movement destroys everything, it’s hard to stay hopeful. Reverend Professor Keith Magee joins us to discuss how to bridge political divisions and stay, somewhat, positive in the new Trump era.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits, merch and access our chat community: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for an in-depth analysis of the latest US presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In this bonus episode, we dissect the highlights and lowlights of the TV showdown, including Trump’s bizarre and false comments about migrants eating pets. Nikki, Chris and Jacob give their hot takes and analyse the reaction. Who won the debate? Does any of it matter? All that and more in a special extra episode – don’t worry, we’re back on Friday with the main US election deep dive too! We’re on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Campaign For Old Men: Joe Biden rocks the 2024 Presidential race by pulling out and endorsing Kamala Harris. Is he bowing to the inevitable, taking one for Team Democracy, or taking a terrifying gamble? Can a new candidate stop the rot in the Dems’ polling? Will the Democrats go with Harris and if so, who will run with her? On an unprecedented weekend, Nikki, Chris and Jarv look at an utterly changed electoral reality – Harris’s special strengths – and how this seasoned prosecutor would fare up against Trump. Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis, Nikki McCann Rámirez and Chris Jones. Produced by Simon Williams. Group editor Andrew Harrison. American Friction is a Podmasters production. podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump has said there are ways he could run for a third term. But, are there any which are legal and not insane? Jarv and Chris are joined by Casey Burgat, host of the Mastering the Room podcast to discuss the weird prospect of him sticking around for another few years beyond his current stay…  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump’s U-turn on global tariffs was his genius strategy all along, according to his most loyal minions. But anyone conscious can see that blatantly isn’t true. So what caused Trump to place this 90-day pause on tariffs (apart from China)? And what has been the reaction to it? Chris and Nikki get into all of that and loads more!   Back us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/AmericanFriction Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's US presidential election deep dive, we analyse Donald’s Trump pledge of revenge against election workers – and discuss why we should take it seriously. Plus, Brandon Tensley of Capital B joins to discuss the issues that matter to Black voters in this election. Aaand, of course, we talk about Taylor Swift – and the right-wing creeps making themselves look really weird talking about her.  Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone magazine, Jacob Jarvis, and Chris Jones discuss the biggest issues in American politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JD Vance and Tim Walz went head-to-head in what looks likely to be the final debate between candidates ahead of the presidential election. And they were surprisingly… nice to each other? What’s that all about? Recorded in the small hours of Wednesday, Nikki and Jacob discuss the VP debate and what it means for the race.  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump campaign has been a little bit “sane washed” after JD Vance’s polished debate performance. Sorry to tell you, Trump is still saying and doing crazy sh*t – and there’s more evidence from Jan 6 to unpack too. Plus, we look at issues for Harris with natural disasters at home and conflict abroad. And, Jessie Opoien from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins us to discuss how key Wisconsin will be to the result in November.   We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has left America shaken, more fractured than it already was, and confused. In the aftermath of the shooting of the former president, at a rally in Pennsylvania, the world’s focus has been dragged to the USA. We discuss what we know, what we don’t, how to talk about something this momentous, and where we go from here.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis, from Paper Cuts and Oh God, What Now?, and Chris Jones, The Bunker, talk through the initial fallout in this extra episode, which doubled as a group therapy session.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok • The Pension Confident Podcast from PensionBee aims to improve listeners’ understanding of personal finance – whether that’s helping you to navigate the cost of living crisis, exploring the impact of your relationship status on your finances or discussing how to teach kids about money. Listen to the latest episode here: https://link.chtbl.com/FSF2Yu6y Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is about to officially become president and he’s been bragging about everything he’ll do right away. But, what can he really get done on day one? Our friend Casey Burgat, host of the Mastering the Room podcast and author of the upcoming book We Hold These "Truths": How to Spot the Myths that are Holding America Back, joins us to discuss. And, just what is America’s place in the world? Alan Friedman, author of The End of America? A Guide to the New World Disorder, talks us through the global positions of Trump, what the landscape he is coming into looks like – and what his presidency might mean for us.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you see that ludicrous display last night? This week: President Biden came out bruised after a brutal debate with Trump. How badly will his performance damage his election hopes? Plus, Nikki and Chris are joined by Politico’s senior foreign affairs correspondent, Nahal Toosi, to find out how the War in Gaza, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the threat from China is impacting how people might choose to vote come November. Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok We are streaming LIVE on election night! Come and join your favourite panellists from Oh God, What Now?, The Bunker and Paper Cuts on YouTube from 10pm on Thursday 4th July as we react to the results live - you won't want to miss it. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow and subscribe now. Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: The US Supreme Court has voted to give the president partial immunity from criminal prosecution. That is music to Donald Trump’s ears who’s facing more charges in the coming months. What does this change, and does it mean a president can now assassinate an opponent and get away with it? Plus, former advisor and speech writer for George W. Bush, Peter Wehner, joins the panel to discuss why he could never vote for the GOP whilst Trump is at the helm. Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Democratic Alabama senator Doug Jones joins us to discuss the latest chaos and how Democrats should push against it. What would he advise legally? How should they communicate? And what makes him hopeful? Back us on Patreon, we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramírez and Jacob Jarvis . Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our latest US presidential election deep dive, we discuss the recent Trump assassination attempt. What do we know so far and how it will impact the election? As the Republicans look to pin the incident on Harris and Biden, we ask whether that will work – and just how cynical a ploy it is. Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone magazine, Jacob Jarvis, and Chris Jones discuss the fallout in this latest bonus edition.  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media: Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump takes being anti-immigration to a new extreme as president. On a human level, it’s clear for many to see why his policies are abhorrent. But, on a practical level, are they also just stupid? Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy expert and vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, joins Chris and Jarv to discuss just how damaging his policies could be for the United States.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s less than 50 days until the US presidential election and polls are on a knife edge. As Harris and Trump race to the finish — what could change things? Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone magazine, Jacob Jarvis, and Chris Jones discuss the numbers, key issues and how the candidates are trying to gain the upper hand. Plus, Jon Ralston, editor of The Nevada Independent joins us to talk about why Nevada is going to be crucial in the election, in another swing state deep dive.  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not satisfied with picking on Canada, Greenland, and Panama already - Trump continues his bullying spree. This time it’s Colombia that’s the target – Why? And for how much longer can he get away with being so brutish? Plus, over half of Americans see China as the biggest threat to the US. How will Trump manage the relationship with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and could Elon Musk act as a middleman between the two nations? Isaac Stone Fish is the founder and CEO of Strategy Risks and the author of America Second: how America’s elites are making China stronger. He joins the pod to go through it all! Buy America Second: how America’s elites are making China stronger through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, Trump has truly surpassed himself making his cabinet even more MAGA than we expected. From Matt Gaetz to Musk to Kristi Noem, we discuss the key picks – and how Trump might get them through with no scrutiny. (we recorded before RFK Jr. was confirmed, so we’ve got plenty to discuss next show)  And Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat representing California’s 17th district, becomes our first real sitting politician guest! We discuss the future for Democrats as they look to turn the page from a tough election cycle.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election – and explaining the nightmare to a British audience. This time: Trump becomes a convicted felon – guilty on all 34 charges. What a time to be alive. So, what does it mean for the election? Plus, Laura Kusisto of the Wall Street Journal joins us to talk about how abortion is the biggest issue for voters in 2024. Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Joe Biden’s son Hunter has been found guilty on felony charges – how will the GOP weaponise this? And will it work? Plus, we discuss Trump vs. sharks and electricity and other assorted weirdness. Then Jeff Jarvis, author of The Gutenberg Parenthesis and voice behind the BuzzMachine blog joins to discuss the state of the US media landscape and how this will shape voters’ decisions.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest from the campaign trail.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump is cancelling interviews, refusing to answer questions and acting like a cursed wedding DJ at the moment. Has his campaign lost all direction? Plus, we discuss what it means to call him a fascist with Dorian Lynskey, co-author of Fascism: The Story of an Idea. And in a guest double whammy, journalist and author Justin Glawe joins to discuss Georgia and how events there will impact the election result and beyond.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction Sign up to the ‘Electoral College’ tier and above to hear the full conversation with Dorian Lynskey.  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump victory and the collapse of the Democratic Party vote completely shocked political onlookers. But how did it take the Dems so badly by surprise? And are they ready to reckon with their loss properly — and address the broader issues the party faces? Andrew Perez, senior politics editor at Rolling Stone, joins Nikki, Chris and Jarv to discuss.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

• Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  While we’re all focussed on the horse race, the question people are focussing on less is what will the aftermath to November’s vote be like? We discuss how the fallout will look, and just how ugly it might get. Plus, Chris Cooper, political science professor at Western Carolina University and author of Anatomy of a purple state: A North Carolina politics primer, joins to talk about why North Carolina is key during this election.  Buy Anatomy of a purple state: A North Carolina politics primer through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week: The DNC has been a lot. We give our instant reaction to Kamala Harris’ speech, then discuss wider themes and keynotes from Tim Walz, to Barack and Michelle Obama, through Oprah. Plus, we look at what policy was spoken about – and what was absent. Then, we pick apart Trump’s meltdown as he fails to handle people being mean, nasty, bullies about him. And, if that weren’t enough, Zoe Clark of Michigan Public joins us to discuss how the state will be key in November’s vote.     Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics.    Follow us on social media:     Twitter  Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s draconian move of deporting people to El Salvador with no due process disgusted onlookers – but unfortunately there could be worse to come. Nikki recently wrote a piece headlined The ‘Judicial Black Hole’ of El Salvador’s Prisons Is a Warning for American. Her and Jarv are joined by Noah Bullock, executive director of Cristosal, a human rights organization that has represented victims and the families of those displaced and disappeared in Central America for more than 20 years to discuss this warning.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week: Trump went on a tirade on Truth Social sharing misogynistic posts and QAnon conspiracy theories after the latest indictment against him. We discuss why he’s descending into the conspiracy wormhole. Plus, Harris gave her first interview as a presidential candidate – what did we learn and how did she do? And, Ronald J. Hansen of the Arizona Republic joins us to discuss why Arizona is such a key state in the election.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A brand new series counting down to the US Presidential Election – and explaining the whole nightmare for the British audience. This time: With six months to go, how (and where) are Biden and Trump still neck and neck? How is Trump’s trial for paying off Stormy Daniels taking shape? Are the campus Gaza protests and the police crackdown affecting the election? And should shooting a dog rule you out of elected office?  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, joins Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones to discuss the latest issues in US politics – and Vanity Fair special correspondent and Fast Politics podcast host Molly Jong-Fast beams in from New York to give her take on the polls, the mood of the voters and the whole electoral thing. • “You have one candidate who wants to end American democracy and one who is old. Somehow the media is treating these two things as though they are the same.” – Molly Jong-Fast • “He’s been rehabilitated somehow since changing teams, but Michael Cohen has always been a sleazebag.” – Nikki McCann Ramírez • “If Trump wins, will we have elections in four years? I don’t know.” – Molly Jong-Fast  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s first major speech as president was about as gross as you’d expect. What substance was there – and how much was just dishing out punishment to Democrats? Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpack everything you need to know and answer listener questions.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate – and everyone’s gone crazy about him. The Dems are crazy in love, the Republicans, just straight up crazy. Is he so great – is there a bad thing we can say about him? Plus, Project 2025 has been a buzzword in attacks on Trump – how linked to him is it, how scary are its proposals, and should we take it seriously? Philip Bump, author of The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America and a columnist for the Washington Post joins us to discuss.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones chat about the latest issues in US politics – and reveal a band they all like too.  Buy The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American Friction - the brand new podcast that helps you understand what's really going on in 2024 US Election. Out every Friday, wherever you get your podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get 20% off a year’s Patreon support in our Black Friday sale. Why not ask for it for Christmas? Donald Trump has swerved legal trouble once again — we unpack the latest as cases against him are dropped or postponed. Plus, Kat Abughazaleh from Mother Jones joins us to discuss the power of Fox News and the right-wing infosphere.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Try the new science and psychology podcast Why? –  from the makers of American Friction. Why? is the podcast for curious minds. Every Thursday, presenter Emma Kennedy talks to experts and theorists to discover the science and psychology of why we are the way we are.  In the first episode: Why do people join cults? And how do they get out? Emma Kennedy talks to world-leading cult deprogrammer Rick Alan Ross and NXIVM cult survivor Sarah Edmondson to discover the strange allure of the cult mindset. Go here to hear the complete episode.  Follow on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. WHY? is presented by Emma Kennedy. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production and theme music by Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork by James Parrett. Additional music is from Artlist.io. WHY? is a Podmasters Production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election – and explaining the nightmare to a British audience. This time: There’s more court drama, with Trump’s trial and Supreme Court chaos. Plus, Biden on the attack – going harder at Don than we’ve seen so far. And, Nikki Haley is backing Trump now, what a surprise. Plus, Reed Galen – former Republican campaign operative and co-founder of The Lincoln Project joins to discuss how the group takes on the former president and get right inside his head.     Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics.    Follow us on social media:     Twitter  Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Trump and JD Vance have been really angry at being called weird – which is a totally not weird reaction. We discuss Kamala Harris’s latest tactic. Plus, we discuss more Trump drama after that disastrous interview, where he questioned Harris’s race. And, in a deep dive explainer, we discuss not only how but where the election will be won.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics – joined this week by special guest Kat Abughazaleh, of Mother Jones.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US Presidential Election explained for Brits. This time: The Biden-Trump TV debates are on at last. Will America’s most hotly-anticipated showdown deliver useful argument (fat chance) or a new low in WWE politics? Plus: Trump team tries to paint prosecution witness Michael Cohen as a liar, Steve Bannon might be going to jail (yay) and Farage says the Don has offered him a job (what?). And special guest Ben Collins, CEO of the original satirical news site The Onion, on why comedy is the real powerhouse of opposition in American politics. With Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new series counting down to the US Presidential Election. This week: Trump returns to the limelight at the RNC. Is the GOP totally his now? And who the f*ck is JD Vance and what is his problem? We discuss the VP pick. Plus, Gary Gerstle, Paul Mellon Professor of American history at the University of Cambridge, joins us to discuss shifts in American politics, MAGAnomics and more.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump might yet get punished over his hush money shenanigans — what’s going on with this never-ending legal saga? Plus — drones, stars and planes have made America’s right-wing angry and confused. Why have they dived into conspiracies and what’s the truth? As far as we know it anyway…  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/americanfriction Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's deep dive into the US presidential election, we examine why Donald Trump’s cognitive abilities and decline are receiving less scrutiny than Joe Biden’s did – and whether people are finally recognizing the former president’s deteriorating communication skills. Join us as Erin Griffith from The New York Times sheds light on Elon Musk's influence on politics and the increasing involvement of Silicon Valley billionaires in political affairs. We also cover the latest polling updates and explore serious allegations of Russian interference through the alleged funding of right-wing commentators. Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis, and Chris Jones discuss the most pressing issues in American politics, and dabble in a minor cognitive test of their own – and even recite some Trump speeches… We're also on Youtube – watch here. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has been on a power grabbing spree – is he firmly behaving like a dictator? Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss the latest US political fallout and answer listener questions.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

•Get 20% off a year’s Patreon support in our Black Friday sale. Why not ask for it for Christmas? Everyone’s in a flap about Joe Biden pardoning his son, Hunter. Is it as huge a deal as it’s made out to be? Will it really matter all that much politically? Plus, we look at Trump’s pardon records and the dodgy people set to be in his cabinet – like the Fox News host whose mum is now involved in the drama. And, WNYC radio legend Brian Lehrer joins us for a chat about New York politics.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is at the centre of a scandal – so how bad things could things get under his watch? After a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat discussing war plans, all focus is on the former Fox News host we discuss if he’ll get fired – or if he’ll stick around making things worse. Ben Makuch is a freelance national security reporter who writes for the Guardian among other outlets and joins us for this bonus edition.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harris went on a media frenzy this week – how did it go? What did we learn and what’s missing? And why has it made Trump lose it? Plus, we speak to Ashley Spillane, from social impact firm Impactual, about the power of celeb endorsements.  And, we announce we’re on Patreon! We want to keep going, but we need your support. Visit www.patreon.com/americanfriction to sign up for ad free episodes, extra bits, bonus editions and merch.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump officially became president on Monday – delivering a speech which was predictably full of lies, exaggerations and right-wing nonsense. Nikki and Jarv unpack the madness, and add the context that Trump certainly didn’t. Oh and they talk about Elon Musk doing a hand gesture which looked pretty suspect…  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For centuries, Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians have faced hardship at the hands of the US federal government. Because of that, participation within the federal system is extremely low, with only 0.07 of elected officials being from indigenous heritage. Will that ever change? And what’s it like being Native in America today? Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz spent seven years in the Obama administration as a policy advisor focusing on homelessness and Native policy. She’s also an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and has authored the book: The Indian Card: Who gets to be native in America? She joins Chris to get into it all. Buy The Indian card: Who gets to be native in America? - HERE   Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction Follow us on social media:  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio/ Video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The election is nearly here. So, who’s going to win? We look at the state of play with a few days to go, and Jarv forces Chris and Nikki to talk about their gut feelings.  And friend of the podcast Molly Jong-Fast, of Fast Politics, joins to describe what she’s going to be focusing on on election night and discuss the latest issues.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Clooney (aka the worst Batman) wants President Biden out. This week: The pressure for Biden to step down from running for office intensifies within his own party and donors. Who’s got his back and who simply wants to see the back of him? Plus, can the Supreme Court be fixed? Chris and Nikki speak to Michigan University law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, Leah Litman.  Nikki McCann Ramírez, of Rolling Stone, Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones discuss the latest issues in US politics. Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

• Get 20% off a year’s Patreon support in our Black Friday sale. Why not ask for it for Christmas? Donald Trump’s first TV interview since winning the election didn’t disappoint, or did, depending on your point of view. Joining Kristen Welker on NBC News’s Meet the Press, he outlined his plan for the economy, immigration, and his “concepts of a plan” for healthcare. Did any of it make sense and is he already trying to spread the blame for impossible policy ideas? Plus, he claims the Democrats want all future elections to be decided exclusively by the Electoral College. Is that true? And is the voting system even fit for purpose? Writer, presenter, and host of WNYC Studio's Radiolab, Latif Nasser, joins the show to get into it all.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Tom Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, Matt Gaetz has decided to bow out of trying to become attorney general after it became clear everybody hates him. We wonder why? We discuss the cabinet latest and ask how much Musk is annoying Trump – does anyone fancy a sweepstake on how long until he’s booted? Plus, Casey Burgat, director of the Legislative Affairs program at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, joins us to discuss Congress – what’s going on, what do we need to know, and what powers do its members hold over Trump? Find out more about Casey’s upcoming book here.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump is refusing to deny that he could invade Greenland and elsewhere, while he’s also set on renaming a few places to make ‘em more American. What the hell is he on about? And, Mark Zuckerberg has been zuck-ing up to Trump lately – is he just as bad as Musk? Plus, independent investigative journalist Jacqueline Sweet was banned from X for digging into a conspiracy theory about the Twitter owner and buddy-in-chief. She talks to us about her busy week.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pete Hegseth Signal chat disaster has finally put MAGA on the backfoot and given the Dems some ammunition. Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss the fallout and ask where we go from here.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump has been on a pardoning spree and an executive order bender in his first days as president. How crazy has this been, what will actually happen — and how bad is it for America? Nikki, Chris and Jarv review the first week and rope in support from Tim Dickinson, senior politics writer at Rolling Stone. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We’re now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices