Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas

Episode 59 opens with a deep dive into the Democratic Party’s internal reckoning. As millions of mainstream voters drift away, the party’s fractured messaging and reliance on ideologically rigid language continue to push away the very base it needs to win. The widening gap between activist-driven rhetoric and the everyday concerns of working- and middle-class Americans reveals a movement struggling to unify its voice an...

The hosts unpack how cheeky ads from American Eagle and Dunkin’ sparked controversy with genetics-themed wordplay, igniting a national conversation on race, representation, and the power of language in branding. Even playful marketing campaigns now tap into deep cultural anxieties and historical sensitivities in today’s polarized climate. The episode concludes with an interview featuring Dwayne J. Clark, founder an...

Episode 58 opens with a deep dive into Europe’s escalating immigration crisis and its ripple effects on the volatile political landscape of 2025. A surge in small boat arrivals in the UK and heated debates over asylum policies have ignited tensions from London to Warsaw, fueling public frustration and amplifying nationalist rhetoric across the continent. The hour wraps up with a lighter segment—some “poop talk&rdq...

The hosts examine newly declassified claims that Obama-era officials politicized intelligence to fabricate the Trump-Russia collusion narrative, sparking public backlash and comparisons to Watergate. The show wraps up with an interview with John Thomas—a Silicon Valley tech veteran turned spiritual author and co-creator of Channeled Messages of Hope, a book and podcast offering insights from ascended souls on climate cha...

Episode 57 begins with a discussion of the growing trend of Americans pursuing second citizenships or relocating abroad as a strategic safeguard for their future, driven by rising political unrest, economic concerns, and declining global mobility. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Candace DeMatteis—a seasoned health policy strategist and Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Partnership...

The team will discuss Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over claims he sent Jeffrey Epstein a lewd birthday letter.  The case hinges on proving actual malice and has reignited debate over press freedom, reputational harm, and the legal legacy of high-profile defamation battles. The show continues with interviews featuring Kevin McCullough and Brandon Bronaugh.  Kevin, a ...

Episode 56 will delve into how a rooftop shooter nearly succeeded in assassinating Donald Trump at his 2024 rally—exposing staggering missteps, ignored warnings, and bureaucratic inertia within the Secret Service. Despite classified intel, faulty equipment, and internal confusion, no agents were fired, sparking outrage and over a billion dollars in mandated reforms. The hour concludes with an interview with Elad Inbar, founde...

Celebrity outbursts and provocative statements—from stage rants to political hyperbole—continue to ignite heated debates about fame, accountability, and the boundaries of free speech. The hosts examine several high-profile incidents, exploring whether criminal repercussions are ever warranted and how public figures shape cultural norms through their influence.  The show ends with an interview featuring

Episode 55 explores newly surfaced mortgage fraud allegations against Senator Adam Schiff, stemming from a criminal referral initiated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and amplified by the Trump administration. The hosts trace Schiff’s long-standing antagonism toward Trump—from the Russia investigations to impeachment trials—arguing that the very system Schiff once wielded against his rival may now be turned ...

The hosts dissect the tangled web of public figures who’ve distorted their backgrounds—from AOC’s Bronx branding to Comrade Mamdani’s racial checkbox controversy—as they debate how identity manipulation has become a political and cultural tool, raising uncomfortable questions about authenticity, ambition, and accountability. The show ends with an interview featuring Lance LoRusso—former poli...

Episode 54 dives headfirst into “Alligator Alcatraz”—a controversial migrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, mired in environmental, tribal, and human rights violations. Radio talk show host and media personality Kevin McCullough—known for his nationally syndicated program That Kevin Show —explores why fossil fuels are facing growing criticism, and introduces Oilfacts.com, ...

The hosts discuss the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, spotlighting the clash between parental religious rights and LGBTQ+-inclusive education in public schools, and unpack the decision’s sweeping implications. The show concludes with an interview featuring Robert Boris, the Writers Guild Award-winning screenwriter behind Electra Glide in Blue and Blood Feud, who is now...

The hosts begin the show with a deep dive into Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the NYC mayoral primary, spotlighting his insurgent campaign and examining key elements of his Democratic Socialist platform. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Sandra Lott Smith—a survivor, author of over 38 books, minister, and founder of Your New Life Ministries.

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The hosts examine Washington’s new law requiring priests to report confessions of child abuse -- raising constitutional concerns over religious freedom and prompting a federal lawsuit from the DOJ defending the sanctity of the confessional seal. The show concludes with an interview with Dr. Monica Vermani, a Toronto-based clinical psychologist, author, and wellness expert specializing in trauma, stress, and mood disorder...

The hosts discuss whether LGBTQIA+ rights and Pride celebrations are losing cultural and political momentum, while diving into heated debates over gender identity, sports fairness, and public opinion. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Arielle Scarcella, a Brooklyn-born YouTube content creator and commentator known for her outspoken stances on LGBTQIA+ issues, women’s rights, and cultural politics.

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The hosts open with a deep dive into ICE’s expanding enforcement under Trump’s second term, exploring how the agency’s mission has collided with questions of civil liberties, public safety, and national identity. The episode closes with Eric Jacobus—stuntman, martial artist, filmmaker, and motion capture performer—discussing his book, If These Fists Could Talk, a behind-the-scenes look at the...

This episode dives straight into the firestorm over noncitizen voting in local elections. From constitutional quirks and partisan pressure to questions of allegiance and integration, the host examine what it means to have a voice in American democracy. Later in the hour, James Sweeney and Rhonda Lauritzen -- highly respected and accomplished entrepreneurs -- chat about their new book, “Creative Insecurity:...

The hosts discuss Karine Jean-Pierre's departure from the Democratic Party, her upcoming book detailing her experiences as the former Press Secretary in the Biden administration, and her views on political divisions, misinformation, and the evolving role of independent voters. The show concludes with an interview with Nick Berg, an American author and former Special Operations soldier whose novel "Shadows of Tehran: Forged in ...

The hosts begin the show with a discussion of evolving legal precedents, shifting public opinion, and political policies impacting the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on transgender children. The hour concludes with an interview featuring David Barulich, a political commentator who critiques America's political system and proposes bipartisan solutions to bridging divides, as outlined in his new book, "The Anti-Elitist Constitution...