Free Speech Under Fire & A Whistleblower Who Fought Back (w/ Dr. Toni Savage)

This week, Josh and David sound the alarm on the Trump administration's escalating attacks on free speech, from the corporate-pressured ousting of late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel to the president's threats to pull the broadcast licenses of critical news outlets. They connect this to a broader pattern of media consolidation and the erosion of journalistic ethics, which makes the press vulnerable to government control.

Then, they address the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, condemning political violence from all sides and urging a return to debate over deadly force. They analyze the cynical political reactions and the mob mentality fueled by social media, calling for a recognition of shared humanity even in the face of deep disagreement.

Later, they welcome Dr. Toni Savage, a government whistleblower who exposed millions of dollars in contracting fraud within the Army Corps of Engineers. Dr. Savage shares her 13-year ordeal of fighting retaliation, which resulted in a landmark legal ruling—the "Savage Standard"—that expanded protections for federal employees. She details the bid-rigging, the cover-ups, and the personal cost of doing the right thing, and she warns how the current administration is dismantling the systems designed to hold government accountable.

Finally, after retiring the "Right Wing Nut" segment in favor of something a little less pejorative, they name FBI Director Kash Patel their first-ever "Right Wing Bonehead of the Week" for his disastrous congressional testimony. They break down his lies and deflections about the Jeffrey Epstein case and discuss how officials are actively covering up the scandal to protect powerful figures, including Donald Trump.

GUEST IN THIS EPISODE

• Dr. Toni Savage: A former contracting officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and now a full-time minister, Dr. Savage became a government whistleblower when she exposed millions of dollars in contracting fraud. After facing illegal termination and a hostile work environment, her 13-year legal battle resulted in the landmark "Savage Standard" ruling, which expanded protections for whistleblowers under federal law. She now serves on the board of the National Whistleblower Center, advocating for government accountability and transparency.

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