The Chuck ToddCast

In this episode of the Chuck Toddcast, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff joins for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the football field to the battlefield and into the halls of power. Paul shares how his family's experience with Vietnam shaped his own path into the military and explores why the scars of Iraq and Afghanistan haven't left the same political mark as Vietnam did. The discussion dives into the state of today's all-volunteer military, raising concerns about recruiting under Pete Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, the politicization of military culture, and the promotion of a specific ideological agenda within the Department of Defense—including what it means for democracy when the most powerful military in the world operates with fewer checks than ever.
The conversation then shifts to the growing power of political independents, with Paul making the case that unaffiliated voters and veteran candidates could serve as a moderating force in American politics. From the potential impact of just a handful of independent senators to why no military veteran has won the presidency since George H.W. Bush, Paul and Chuck explore what it would take to break the two-party stranglehold. They also touch on the challenges of independent media, how national security can be a clarifying lens for consuming news, and why Paul believes every voter should consider declaring independence—arguing it gives them more power, not less.
Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!
Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.
Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!
Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.
Timeline:
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
00:00 Paul Rieckhoff joins the Chuck Toddcast
02:00 Why football is the most selfless sport
03:45 Defense in football feels like it has caught up to offense
06:00 How & why did you get into the military?
07:45 Nobody feels the acute impact of politics more than military members
09:00 Impact of Vietnam on Paul’s father & family
11:00 Anyone eligible for the draft in Vietnam were obsessive over details
12:30 No Vietnam vet ever won the presidency, but came close
14:15 Scars from Iraq/Afghanistan haven’t affected politics like Vietnam did
14:45 All-volunteer military is good for military but terrible for democracy
15:30 Shunning NATO would have been unthinkable just a decade ago
16:15 Worried about military recruiting under Pete Hegseth
17:00 Hegseth is waging a culture war from the Pentagon
18:15 Recruiting tactics are recruiting a very specific type of candidate
19:30 Changes in policy are politicizing the military & changing culture
20:45 Hegseth is prioritizing & promoting christianity at the Pentagon
21:15 Trump has the most powerful military & can do what he wants with it
21:45 Most dangerous thing Trump can do is invoke Insurrection Act
22:30 Pentagon press corp has been replaced with propogandists
24:45 The only thing checking Trump is himself & Chairman of Joint Chiefs
26:00 Trump has been more strategic this term, & is ahead of schedule
27:30 Military culture & families historically tend to lean right politically
28:45 Many veterans remain politically unaffiliated
29:45 We haven’t elected a military veteran since George H.W. Bush
30:45 Combat service gives you a true sense of the cost of war
32:30 Washington & Eisenhower closest to being “independent” presidents
33:45 Efforts to get veterans elected to local/state office
36:00 Independents have their leanings but reject the two parties
38:00 A true independent could be the most powerful member of senate
38:45 4-6 independent’s could be a moderating fulcrum in senate
40:30 Even two independents breaking with their caucus would be huge
43:00 How can each party appeal to independent veterans?
46:00 Every voter should declare independence, gives them more power
47:00 Balancing creating vs. ingestion working in independent media
50:00 National security is a great clarifier when consuming news
51:15 Waking up early is the best way to avoid distractions
52:30 Israel’s citizen-military culture creates a lot of activism
53:30 Instability created by Trump has engaged the electorate
55:45 ICE has made the danger posed by administration very immediate
56:45 If running for office was viable for independents, Paul would consider it
58:30 Veterans that want to service should run for office, not join ICE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chuck Todd unpacks a week where political theater carried real consequences, from Pam Bondi’s high-profile hearing and the Justice Department’s bruised credibility to renewed controversy over the Epstein files and why Trump appears uneasy about what could surface. Chuck explores how Trump’s actions—from refusing to help key Republicans like John Cornyn in Texas to escalating trade and tariff fights that split his own party—may be doing tactical damage to GOP midterm prospects, even putting critical races in Michigan and beyond at risk. He also examines donor frustration, the political fallout of Trump’s UAE corruption scandal, and why internal Republican divisions could shape whether Democrats win a narrow or sizable House majority. Finally, Chuck looks at the surprisingly strong jobs report, the murky influence of prediction markets, and why, if Democrats ultimately capture the Senate, Trump himself may be the biggest reason why.
Then, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff joins for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the football field to the battlefield and into the halls of power. Paul shares how his family's experience with Vietnam shaped his own path into the military and explores why the scars of Iraq and Afghanistan haven't left the same political mark as Vietnam did. The discussion dives into the state of today's all-volunteer military, raising concerns about recruiting under Pete Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, the politicization of military culture, and the promotion of a specific ideological agenda within the Department of Defense—including what it means for democracy when the most powerful military in the world operates with fewer checks than ever.
The conversation then shifts to the growing power of political independents, with Paul making the case that unaffiliated voters and veteran candidates could serve as a moderating force in American politics. From the potential impact of just a handful of independent senators to why no military veteran has won the presidency since George H.W. Bush, Paul and Chuck explore what it would take to break the two-party stranglehold. They also touch on the challenges of independent media, how national security can be a clarifying lens for consuming news, and why Paul believes every voter should consider declaring independence—arguing it gives them more power, not less.
Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.
Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!
Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.
Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!
Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.
Timeline:
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction
2:00 The Pam Bondi hearing was all theater, but it did matter
3:30 Trump’s cabinet hearings have an audience of one…Trump
4:00 DOJ’s credibility took a massive hit this week
4:45 Grand jury refused to indict Democratic members of congress
6:15 Bondi fanned the flames over Epstein files, now she’s backtracking
7:00 Trump seems awfully nervous about the files, like he’s hiding something
8:30 The question is do the Dems get a large or small majority in the house
10:00 There is a ceiling for Democratic gains
10:45 Trump isn’t interested in helping Republicans in the midterms
11:15 Trump not endorsing Cornyn in Texas put the senate seat in play
12:45 Republican donors are upset Trump won’t help in Texas
14:15 Trump’s UAE corruption scandal the worst of all time
15:45 Trump’s threats over bridge to Canada hurts GOP in Michigan
17:00 Owner of other bridge lobbied Lutnick, now Trump threatens shutdown
17:30 New bridge is good for Michigan, this put Mike Rogers in jeopardy
18:30 Trump is doing tactical harm to their midterm election chances
19:15 Trump’s tariff mess has divided his own party
20:30 Mike Johnson couldn’t stop vote in the house on tariffs
22:00 Trump doesn’t care about the future of the Republican party
23:45 Trump says no to another reconciliation bill, also bad for GOP
25:30 Jobs report was good despite admin officials previewing a bad one
26:15 Are administration officials cashing in on the prediction markets?
27:00 Prediction markets are extraordinarily corruptable
28:30 Higher tax refunds will get eaten by higher costs, not politically helpful
29:45 If Democrats win the senate, they’ll have Donald Trump to thank
31:00 Far right candidate beat the center left coalition in Japan
32:30 Independents need to assert their political power in America
35:00 The country’s political affiliations don’t fix neatly into two boxes
44:00 Races with independents to track
45:15 Ask Chuck
45:30 Isn’t congress responsible for border policy?
51:45 Is the reason Noem hasn’t been fired, that Trump wants on Mt. Rushmore?
54:15 Why do celebrities lend their names to companies that hurt their customers?
59:30 Would moderate Democrats do better running as independents?
1:04:45 Does Utah law to expand Supreme Court open the door for court packing?
1:08:30 What can be done to modernize education, add national service?
1:20:00 Thoughts on sports post-football
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is The Most Dangerous Thing Trump Can Do
In this episode, Chuck Todd unpacks a week where political theater carried real consequences, from Pam Bondi’s high-profile hearing and the Justice Department’s bruised credibility to renewed controversy over the Epstein files and why Trump appears uneasy about what could surface. Chuck explores how Trump’s actions—from refusing to help key Republicans like John Cornyn in Texas to escalating trade and tariff fights that split his own party—may be doing tactical damage to GOP midterm prospects, even putting critical races in Michigan and beyond at risk. He also examines donor frustration, the political fallout of Trump’s UAE corruption scandal, and why internal Republican divisions could shape whether Democrats win a narrow or sizable House majority. Finally, Chuck looks at the surprisingly strong jobs report, the murky influence of prediction markets, and why, if Democrats ultimately capture the Senate, Trump himself may be the biggest reason why.
Then, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff joins for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the football field to the battlefield and into the halls of power. Paul shares how his family's experience with Vietnam shaped his own path into the military and explores why the scars of Iraq and Afghanistan haven't left the same political mark as Vietnam did. The discussion dives into the state of today's all-volunteer military, raising concerns about recruiting under Pete Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, the politicization of military culture, and the promotion of a specific ideological agenda within the Department of Defense—including what it means for democracy when the most powerful military in the world operates with fewer checks than ever.
The conversation then shifts to the growing power of political independents, with Paul making the case that unaffiliated voters and veteran candidates could serve as a moderating force in American politics. From the potential impact of just a handful of independent senators to why no military veteran has won the presidency since George H.W. Bush, Paul and Chuck explore what it would take to break the two-party stranglehold. They also touch on the challenges of independent media, how national security can be a clarifying lens for consuming news, and why Paul believes every voter should consider declaring independence—arguing it gives them more power, not less.
Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.
Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!
Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.
Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!
Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Timeline:
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction
03:00 The Pam Bondi hearing was all theater, but it did matter
04:30 Trump’s cabinet hearings have an audience of one…Trump
05:00 DOJ’s credibility took a massive hit this week
05:45 Grand jury refused to indict Democratic members of congress
07:15 Bondi fanned the flames over Epstein files, now she’s backtracking
08:00 Trump seems awfully nervous about the files, like he’s hiding something
09:30 The question is do the Dems get a large or small majority in the house
11:00 There is a ceiling for Democratic gains
11:45 Trump isn’t interested in helping Republicans in the midterms
12:15 Trump not endorsing Cornyn in Texas put the senate seat in play
13:45 Republican donors are upset Trump won’t help in Texas
15:15 Trump’s UAE corruption scandal the worst of all time
16:45 Trump’s threats over bridge to Canada hurts GOP in Michigan
18:00 Owner of other bridge lobbied Lutnick, now Trump threatens shutdown
18:30 New bridge is good for Michigan, this put Mike Rogers in jeopardy
19:30 Trump is doing tactical harm to their midterm election chances
20:15 Trump’s tariff mess has divided his own party
21:30 Mike Johnson couldn’t stop vote in the house on tariffs
23:00 Trump doesn’t care about the future of the Republican party
24:45 Trump says no to another reconciliation bill, also bad for GOP
26:30 Jobs report was good despite admin officials previewing a bad one
27:15 Are administration officials cashing in on the prediction markets?
28:00 Prediction markets are extraordinarily corruptable
29:30 Higher tax refunds will get eaten by higher costs, not politically helpful
30:45 If Democrats win the senate, they’ll have Donald Trump to thank
32:00 Far right candidate beat the center left coalition in Japan
33:30 Independents need to assert their political power in America
36:00 The country’s political affiliations don’t fix neatly into two boxes
45:00 Paul Rieckhoff joins the Chuck Toddcast
47:00 Why football is the most selfless sport
48:45 Defense in football feels like it has caught up to offense
51:00 How & why did you get into the military?
52:45 Nobody feels the acute impact of politics more than military members
54:00 Impact of Vietnam on Paul’s father & family
56:00 Anyone eligible for the draft in Vietnam were obsessive over details
57:30 No Vietnam vet ever won the presidency, but came close
59:15 Scars from Iraq/Afghanistan haven’t affected politics like Vietnam did
59:45 All-volunteer military is good for military but terrible for democracy
1:00:30 Shunning NATO would have been unthinkable just a decade ago
1:01:15 Worried about military recruiting under Pete Hegseth
1:02:00 Hegseth is waging a culture war from the Pentagon
1:03:15 Recruiting tactics are recruiting a very specific type of candidate
1:04:30 Changes in policy are politicizing the military & changing culture
1:05:45 Hegseth is prioritizing & promoting christianity at the Pentagon
1:06:15 Trump has the most powerful military & can do what he wants with it
1:06:45 Most dangerous thing Trump can do is invoke Insurrection Act
1:07:30 Pentagon press corp has been replaced with propogandists
1:09:45 The only thing checking Trump is himself & Chairman of Joint Chiefs
1:11:00 Trump has been more strategic this term, & is ahead of schedule
1:12:30 Military culture & families historically tend to lean right politically
1:13:45 Many veterans remain politically unaffiliated
1:14:45 We haven’t elected a military veteran since George H.W. Bush
1:15:45 Combat service gives you a true sense of the cost of war
1:17:30 Washington & Eisenhower closest to being “independent” presidents
1:18:45 Efforts to get veterans elected to local/state office
1:21:00 Independents have their leanings but reject the two parties
1:23:00 A true independent could be the most powerful member of senate
1:23:45 4-6 independent’s could be a moderating fulcrum in senate
1:25:30 Even two independents breaking with their caucus would be huge
1:28:00 How can each party appeal to independent veterans?
1:31:00 Every voter should declare independence, gives them more power
1:32:00 Balancing creating vs. ingestion working in independent media
1:35:00 National security is a great clarifier when consuming news
1:36:15 Waking up early is the best way to avoid distractions
1:37:30 Israel’s citizen-military culture creates a lot of activism
1:38:30 Instability created by Trump has engaged the electorate
1:40:45 ICE has made the danger posed by administration very immediate
1:41:45 If running for office was viable for independents, Paul would consider it
1:43:30 Veterans that want to service should run for office, not join ICE
1:47:45 Races with independents to track
1:49:00 Ask Chuck
1:49:15 Isn’t congress responsible for border policy?
1:55:30 Is the reason Noem hasn’t been fired, that Trump wants on Mt. Rushmore?
1:58:00 Why do celebrities lend their names to companies that hurt their customers?
2:03:15 Would moderate Democrats do better running as independents?
2:08:30 Does Utah law to expand Supreme Court open the door for court packing?
2:12:15 What can be done to modernize education, add national service?
2:23:45 Thoughts on sports post-football
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck Todd sits down with John Conyers III to discuss his deeply personal memoir "My Father's House." Far from a typical political biography, this book offers a raw, unflinching look at what it's like to grow up as the son of legendary civil rights congressman John Conyers Jr.—inheriting a legacy you never chose and navigating between worlds of poverty and power. John opens up about the family betrayal that triggered his father's 2017 resignation, the complicated truth about Rosa Parks' final years, and his own journey from the music industry to confronting his predetermined path. This isn't hagiography or exposé—it's a son trying to understand how a public giant could be both indispensable to a movement and deeply flawed in private.
The conversation ranges from the intimate—John's anger at having expectations placed on him, his career as a songwriter and producer—to broader questions about how we reckon with complicated heroes, from his father to MLK to LeBron James. Todd and Conyers explore Detroit's cultural legacy, the emotional toll of creative work, and what it means to accept the full humanity of the figures we elevate. It's a fascinating discussion about legacy, identity, and the cost of living in a house built by history, featuring unexpected detours into NBA debates and why Detroit will always be a cultural exporter, not an importer.
Timeline:
00:00 - John Conyers III joins the Chuck Toddcast
01:15 - The unexpected insider account
02:30 - Caught between two worlds
03:30 - The book that almost wasn't
04:15 - The breaking news that changed everything
05:45 - Family betrayal and the leak
06:30 - The conversation that never happened
07:45 - Identity wrapped in work
11:15 - Rosa Parks and the untold story
15:45 - The anger of expectations
23:15 - Watching power up close
31:45 - The music business years
39:30 - Detroit's cultural legacy
44:15 - The complications of heroism
50:30 - MLK's complexity and humanity
57:30 - Detroit's next cultural chapter
58:30 - NBA talk: The Pistons and Giannis
01:00:30 - LeBron's impossible standard
01:02:30- Magic Johnson's underrated legacy
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down a rapidly shifting 2026 political landscape beginning with Susan Collins’ decision to seek re-election in what could become the toughest race of her career, a contest that may prove pivotal in a potentially tied Senate where Democrats could even attempt to court Lisa Murkowski. Chuck explores how Collins’ choice reshapes the map, why an open Maine seat would have favored Democrats, and how outsider candidates like Graham Platner may challenge both party establishments. The conversation widens to key battleground developments in Texas and Florida, including Alexander Vindman’s Senate bid and the risks of divisive primaries, while Republicans face mounting structural challenges and a slipping grip on the House. Chuck also examines why Democrats are expanding their target map, what could still derail a major Democratic wave, and the intensifying fight over voting legislation like the SAVE Act—arguing that partisan “poison pills” have deepened gridlock and made meaningful compromise in Washington increasingly rare.
Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 crazy things that used to be LEGAL in politics and a bonus Top 5 list of things that shouldn’t be. Plus, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.
Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!
Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.
Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!
Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.
Timeline:
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction
01:30 Susan Collins announces she’ll run for re-election
02:15 2026 will be the toughest race Collins has ever faced
03:15 In a 50-50 senate, Dems will court Murkowski to flip parties
04:00 Trump doesn’t court challengers for Susan Collins
06:30 Had Collins not sought re-election, it’s a guaranteed Dem win
08:00 Platner will be able to run against both party establishments
09:15 Developments in Texas have been terrible for Republicans
09:45 Surprising that Turning Point would tie themselves to Ken Paxton
11:00 The last things Dems need is a racially divisive primary in TX
11:45 Alexander Vindman joins Florida senate race
14:30 Vindman fits profile of Dem that can win in a light red state
15:30 The house has slipped away from GOP, can they hold the senate?
16:45 It would take a major outside event to change environment for GOP
18:00 Dems add new seats to their target list
19:45 Only thing standing between Dems & huge win is their nominees
21:30 Republicans are trying to shove through the SAVE Act
22:15 SAVE Act unnecessarily complicates trying to vote
23:30 SAVE Act & HR1 were loaded with poison pills
24:30 Neither side willing to compromise to pass these bills
26:15 Poison pills were features, not bugs
35:00 A few changes to law drove wave of congressional retirements
38:30 ToddCast Top 5 crazy things that used to be LEGAL in politics
39:15 #5 Corporations used to be able to give directly to candidates
41:00 #4 Party machines openly bought votes
41:45 #3 Federal jobs used as campaign currency
43:30 #2 Candidates could accept unlimited, anonymous cash
44:45 #1 Candidates could keep their war chest after leaving office
45:30 Top 5 list of legal things in politics that should be made illegal
46:00 #5 Members of congress trading stocks
48:15 #4 Leadership PACs
49:00 #3 Lobbyist bundling
50:15 #2 Members of congress can negotiate a future job & still vote
51:45 #1 Presidential pardon power
53:45 Ask Chuck
54:00 Can Trump be unpopular and still be a populist?
55:45 What happened to the Supreme Court tariffs case?
57:30 Sharice Davids eyeing a run for senate?
59:30 How can we heal as a country while swamped with divisive content?
1:02:15 How could the media better explain the levels of Trump’s corruption
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.