Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas

Episode 77 opens with an examination of the Feeding Our Future scandal, the largest pandemic‑relief fraud in U.S. history, in which a Minnesota nonprofit and its affiliates allegedly siphoned off nearly $1 billion in federal child‑nutrition funds by submitting claims for meals that were never served. Governor Tim Walz’s administration is facing sharp criticism for inadequate oversight, ignoring whistleblower warnings, and con...

This second hour unpacks the enigma of Santa Claus—how a beloved childhood figure evolved into a global symbol shaped by commerce, culture, and social conditioning, with belief patterns, global traditions, and psychological impacts woven throughout. The hour continues with an examination of Santa’s origins, commercialization, and cultural influence, capped by a lighthearted trivia quiz that highlights both the charm and...

Episode 76 opens with a deep dive into the booming market for “green” products—and the rising consumer demand driving it, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. The hosts then expose how widespread greenwashing has become, breaking down the data, scandals, and regulatory crackdowns that show just how often companies mislead the public about their environmental impact. The hour closes with an interview featuring&n...

The hosts explore the uproar over the video made by six Democratic lawmakers reminding U.S. service members of their duty to refuse unlawful orders—a message denounced by President Trump as “seditious.” They examine the clash between discipline and constitutional fidelity, the governing legal standards, and how public opinion reveals sharp partisan divides. The show concludes with an interview featuring Darin...

Episode 75 examines how the Olympics and global federations have increasingly barred transgender women who experienced male puberty from competing in female categories, citing enduring biological advantages and safety concerns. It highlights the political and cultural divide, with most countries and U.S. states favoring restriction while California insists on inclusion, fueling a national clash over fairness versus civil rights. Th...

The hosts unpack the long‑running debate over reparations, tracing broken promises from “40 acres and a mule” to today’s wealth gaps affecting Black and Indigenous communities. It explores practical funding ideas — from government budgets and corporate accountability to philanthropy, universities, new industry taxes, and social bonds — while framing reparations as both moral repair and financial respon...

Episode 74 begins with a look at the battle between free speech and platform moderation, where the First Amendment protects against government censorship, but private platforms set their own rules. From Musk’s “hands-off” Twitter/X experiment to Europe’s Digital Services Act, the debate shows how moderation—whether by humans, AI, or governments—inevitably reflects politics, values, and power stru...

The hosts discuss a Washington, D.C. event where Wall Street’s elite bristled at Mayor‑elect Mamdani’s push for wealth taxes, rent freezes, and free transit—policies viewed as a direct threat to their power.  Into that tension stepped Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whose gubernatorial campaign quickly became the business community’s rallying point against the city’s leftward turn and Governor Hochu...

Episode 73 examines how inflation and affordability have become critical political liabilities for President Trump and the Republican Party, particularly in the wake of recent electoral defeats in key states. Drawing on consumer sentiment data, economic trends, and voter polling, the show highlights the widening gap between official messaging and Americans’ lived financial realities. The hour concludes with an inter...

The hosts review how a tiny fraction of ultra-wealthy individuals—902 in the U.S. and just over 3,000 globally—wield outsized influence over public policy through campaign funding, media ownership, lobbying, and philanthropy. Drawing on polling and real-world examples, findings reveal growing concern over the democratic implications of billionaire power, even as many Americans ...

 Episode 72 explores the growing public scrutiny of nepotism across industries, not just in Hollywood but also in fields like law, politics, and medicine. It examines how family connections can shape careers, spark debates about fairness and merit, and influence public perception in an era of heightened transparency and accountability. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Dr...

The hosts analyze President Trump’s unexpected directive to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing—ending a 30-year moratorium and unsettling global arms control norms. They explore the geopolitical implications, logistical challenges, and the central question: is this a move toward strategic deterrence or the beginning of a new arms race?  The show wraps with an interview with Brandon Bronaugh, founder of L...

Despite a string of recent electoral wins, Episode 71 opens with Democrats still fractured and leaderless, as some candidates embrace extremist platforms that risk alienating mainstream voters. With economic anxiety fueling turnout, the party faces a pivotal choice: rein in its ideological drift or double down on radical promises widely viewed as unrealistic and divisive. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Dr. Shel...

This hour, the hosts unpack George Soros’s controversial reputation—from his provocative claim that the U.S. is the main obstacle to global justice, to the widespread but false rumors of international bans—tracing how his philanthropic empire has faced mounting legal and political pressure abroad and here at home.  The show wraps with an interview featuring journalist Jane Eisner, author of Carole K...

Episode 70 opens with a look at John Bolton’s decades-long career as a hawkish national security figure and the dramatic turn it has taken, as he now faces 18 federal charges for allegedly mishandling classified information. His indictment represents a stunning fall from grace and highlights the escalating cycle of political retaliation and personal vendettas that have come to characterize the post-Trump era. The hour ends wi...

The hosts unpack the stunning presidential commutation of George Santos, whose brief congressional career collapsed under the weight of fraud, lies, and a federal conviction. Through biting satire and exhaustive detail, the show explores Santos’s tangled personal history, legal downfall, and the political firestorm ignited by his early release. The episode wraps with an interview featuring Tom Allon, veteran journalist a...

Episode 69 — the show’s “Election Eve Eve Special” — delivers a fiery, satirical deep dive into the political evolution of Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a democratic socialist mayoral nominee whose radical roots have given way to a more pragmatic, coalition-driven campaign. His shifting rhetoric, contentious endorsements, and identity-related controversies cast him as either a calculating strategist or a flip-...

The hosts explore the rapid rise of homeschooling in the U.S., highlighting academic outcomes and shifting demographics that challenge outdated assumptions. They also examine the controversy surrounding proposed regulations, fueling debate over parental rights, government oversight, and the inclusion of DEI and gender identity in curricula. The episode concludes with Dr. Monica Vermani, a clinical psychologist and author, whos...

In Episode 68, the hosts revisit Donald Trump’s campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office—a bold claim repeated throughout 2024 and framed as proof of his diplomatic prowess. Nine months into his second term, the war continues, prompting questions about whether Trump underestimated Vladimir Putin or was strategically outplayed. The hour concludes with Mitch Francis, a serial entrep...