You Are The Guest Podcast

Danny, the host of the "Wonderful World of Danny" returns to talk about HMO's, universal healthcare, and the Presidential candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring so far. Danny works for what he calls an "evil HMO" and gives us an insider's view to how one HMO tried to rally their employees during a closed-door company meeting. You'll hear Danny's opinions about whether or not the U.S. government should be involved in a universal healthcare plan, and if the U.S. should do anything about high prescription drug prices. Danny and I talk about when the common everyday guy who decides to run for President, and Danny gives his opinions on 5 Democratic and 5 Republican Presidential candidates. Danny asks me if buying and annexing Mexico would be an easier solution to the immigration problem, who my favorite Beatle is, and whether I prefer Hannity or Colmes.

With over 150 millionaires in Congress the average American may have this question in their mind: Regardless of their humble beginnings, is it possible today for these millionaires to genuinely be able to relate to what the average American citizen faces on a day to day basis? Have they been isolated from average American life and lived in a circle of power and wealth for too long that they couldn't possibly have true empathy for the what the average American goes through today in 2007? We talk about these questions with author Jeffery S. Miller who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since the majority of members of Congress are also lawyers, Jeffery and I discuss the connection between the bad public image that lawyers have with the bad public image that politicians have. Jeffery also gives us his quick “average guy on the street” impression on 5 Democratic and 5 Republican candidates for President. Jeffery asks me what I think we should do about immigration, do I think Congress will get anything done during this next session, and what do I think needs to be done to win the Iraqi War.

Paul is on his nationwide tour of the Third World American Podcast and made a stop to talk with us in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Paul and I have a good honest conversation about the homeless, poverty, and good and bad choices. We take a few detours when Paul talks about his definition of good and evil, morality, stupidity, and what he saw as the injustice during the hanging of Saddam Hussein. As we wrap up our discussion we talk about a solution for trying to slow down economic poverty due to being heavily in debt. Paul asks me why there isn't a war on poverty, and if the Presidential advisers are more important than the President.

It's time for the 2006 Year in Review and it's always a pleasure to talk about the news, issues, and people from this past year with Vern Beachy. We talk about the usual topics like biggest news story of the year, Person of the Year, biggest taxpayer rip-off, and the biggest consumer rip-off, but we also talk about the biggest surprise of the year, the small story that needed more attention, and the biggest "who cares" news stories for 2006. Vern and I also hand out the 2006 Hosebag of the Year Award. Vern asks me what I've learned from my interviews this past year, what was my worst interview of the year, and which was my favorite interview of the year.

Author Harrine Freeman from Washington D.C. is our guest to talk about an important holiday topic, the credit card business. Harrine and I discuss why the credit card companies target undergraduate students and individuals who will most likely not pay their bills on time. We talk about the root and the size of the problem in the U.S. and I dig into how credit card companies market and prey upon those individuals that are most vulnerable to interest fees and late charges, and you'll hear a credit horror story of how someone became $1,000,000 in debt. We also discuss why the educational system in this country isn't doing enough to teach young people how to manage their finances, and what pitfalls some consumers fall into during the holiday season.

Filmmaker Adam Reuter from Baltimore, Maryland joins us to talk about his latest DVD, "The 6 Degrees from Truth: Michael Moore". I ask Adam if Michael Moore is still a working class guy, and if his films are more personal essays than documentaries. We dig into the inconsistencies in two of Michael Moore's films, Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11, and I play devil's advocate with Michael Moore's creative license on both of these films. Adam and I also talk about the Teacher's Guide for Fahrenheit 9/11 and how a far left liberal view is being presented in some classrooms across America. Adam asks me what was my most embarrassing teenage moment, if I had the choice what time period would I like to live in, and what was my favorite Christmas gift as a child.

The principles from the Common Sense Political Party join us for one of their first interviews. Midas Welby, their Presidential Candidate for 2008 is the main spokesperson during our conversation and he's supported by his Vice Presidential running mate Larry, and Dee who serves as the campaign manager. I ask them why they are the catalyst for change in the U.S., details about their campaign, and about their solution for the healthcare crisis and the war in Iraq. I also ask Midas, Larry, and Dee about international issues including the trade deficit with China and relations with Pakistan. At the end of our conversation Midas explains their proposal for income tax reform which includes a 4 percent flat tax.

Peter Reddy returns for another conversation on what is going on in Australia and the world, and how the world views the United States. Peter and I discuss the recent comments by Muslim leader Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly, and discuss whether the U.S. has more friends or more enemies. Throughout the discussion we talk about China, and how Chinese imports are ruining both the Australian and American economies. Peter asks me if I think there will be a time when religion will no longer be relevant, if the world would be the same without art, and if I think the Internet will kill Television.

Will is the host of Smart Bomb Radio which he produces from Omaha, Nebraska. Will and I trade off views in a what-do-you-think/here's- what-I-think forum. Topics that we tackle include if Iraq is another Vietnam, is China sincere with their pledge to uphold UN sanctions against North Korea, and who's going to come out the winners in the elections next month, the Democrats or the Republicans. Will asks me if I prefer ninjas or pirates, if I could sucker punch one person who would it be, and what is my favorite band of all time.

Barry lives in Chicago and is the host of the Barely Podcasting Podcast. Barry and I play true or false with a number of issues in the news today including North Korea, President Bush, Hillary Clinton, Mel Gibson, and George Washington. We also discuss why the Muslims have given Osama Bin Laden a free pass, and I give my opinion on a trade to bring in Osama alive. Barry asks me if money were not an issue what would I do for the rest of my life, what sporting event would I love to see, and who would make up the perfect rock band if I could choose the members.

We've asked Imran Anwar back from his busy schedule of appearances on CNN and Fox News Channel to talk about what is going on right now in North Korea, Iran, and Iraq. First and foremost we talk about North Korea and the country's intent on testing a nuclear weapon. We discuss whether Osama Bin Laden is still alive or not, why the Muslim world has given Osama Bin Laden a free pass, and we take the gloves off over issues including whether President Bush is a religious zealot or not, the comparison between President Bush and Ronald Reagan, and what was the role that Congress played in starting the War on Terror. I also ask if there has ever been a time when the Arab world hasn't hated the United States. Imran asks me what I think the solution to Iraq is, will my solution make Iraq a larger breeding ground for terrorists, and is it a matter of time before members of Hezbollah attack the United States because of our support of Israel.

Tom lives in the Detroit area and is the host of the Leftwing Nutjob Podcast. Tom and I talk about how people form their political views and talk about how good it is to share opposing political views. Then we get into the political views. I ask what are the Democrats offering to make a voter say they're tough on terrorism, how the left views the Muslim world, and how the left is helped or hurt by Michael Moore's films. I also ask if Hillary Clinton should give up her presidential aspirations. Tom and I also get out the crystal ball and give our predictions for the Democratic and Republican tickets in 2008. Tom asks me about Gregg Rolie vs. Jonathan Cain in a Journey showdown, what do I think have been the factors behind the decline of terrestrial radio, and if I was President Bush what would I have done differently in conducting the War on Terror.

Mark Horner is the author of September Sacrifice, a fascinating book about the Girly Chew Hossencofft Murder case. It's a true story about a decent, hard-working woman, her greedy soon-to-be ex-husband who is a master manipulator, and his new girlfriend/accomplice who believed that reptilian shape shifting aliens live among us. Mark asks me what a person needs to start and maintain a successful podcast, if I think the future of traditional radio programming is threatened by podcasting, and if I wonder where my career would have gone had I stayed on-the-air as an announcer.

Patrick is known as the Armchair President and has launched a non-traditional political campaign for President of the United States. Patrick and I discuss his non-traditional campaign in depth including his lack of political experience and his solutions for the problems that face our country today. Patrick describes his view of how our Constitution has eroded, and shares whom he would choose as his Vice Presidential running mate if he received the Democratic Nomination for 2008. Patrick asks me which episodes of this show is the most popular with our audience and which is my personal favorite, what I think about the War on Terror, and where would I like to see my podcast be in the future.

Mike lives in San Francisco and is the host of the Cool As Hell Theatre Podcast. Mike and I talk about the San Francisco Fringe Festival and some of the festival's featured artists and performances. There are some strange ones at the SF Fringe Festival, including a performance based around a fictional suicide art movement, which begs me to ask the question if these performers are disconnected from the rest of the world. We also talk about the arrest of John Mark Karr and what people in San Francisco are saying about it. Mike asks me what would I tell the victims of Hurricane Katrina right now if I was the President, what makes me an advertising guru, and what three motorcycles would I take with me if I were stranded on a desert island.