Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas

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the rapid rise of homeschooling in the U.S., highlighting academic outcomes and shifting demographics that challenge outdated assumptions.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...

The hosts explore the significance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, spotlighting the persistent employment and healthcare barriers faced by 70 million Americans with disabilities. From workplace discrimination to inaccessible medical facilities, the episode calls for systemic change and celebrates the voices pushing for disability justice and inclusion. The show wraps with an interview featuring Samantha Ettu...

Former FBI Director James Comey is indicted for lying to Congress and obstructing a House investigation, reigniting fierce political tensions over his role in the Trump–Russia probe and the 2016 Clinton email case. Episode #67 unpacks the fallout—from Trump’s celebratory posts to Joy Behar’s surprising agreement with him—highlighting how Comey’s legacy continues to fracture partisan lines. The ho...

Given Rudy Giuliani’s dramatic rise from tough-on-crime New York City mayor to revered 9/11 leader—and his subsequent fall into legal and political controversy—the hosts examine the complexities of his legacy. With President Trump’s recent announcement to award Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the hosts explore whether the former mayor’s career still reflects the honor’s ideals. The sh...

Episode 66 explores the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, tracing his rise, the tragic circumstances of his death, and the deeply polarized reactions that followed. From heartfelt tributes to workplace firings over inflammatory remarks, the episode reveals how Kirk’s legacy continues to spark fierce debate across America. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Dr. Betsy McCaughey&mdas...

The hosts examine a Chick-fil-A in Kettering, Ohio, where a new teen chaperone policy requiring minors to be accompanied by adults has sparked debate over youth behavior, public safety, and business responsibility. The conversation expands into post-pandemic social dynamics, the erosion of adult supervision, and the growing role of businesses in managing public conduct. The episode wraps with Mark Gogolewski, a Silicon Valley ...

Episode 65 opens with a critical look at Kamala Harris’s memoir 107 Days, chronicling her rapid rise to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Biden’s sudden withdrawal in 2024. The hosts explore Harris’s account of internal party dysfunction, billion-dollar campaign spending, and her controversial decision to pass over Pete Buttigieg for VP—a move that reignited debates over identity politics...

In 2025, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s net worth reportedly surged to $30 million—a rise of approximately 3,500% compared to her previous financial disclosures. During this hour, the hosts explore how a public servant earning a government salary could amass such dramatic wealth so quickly, and what it reveals about the murky intersection of politics, private enterprise, and public accountability. The show ends with an inte...

In Episode #64, the hosts debate California Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial use of Trump-style digital tactics—ranging from all-caps rants to AI-generated memes—to dominate political discourse and boost his national profile. They explore whether this theatrical strategy signals desperation or a calculated move toward the 2028 Democratic nomination. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Dr. Laur...

The hosts unpack Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna’s explosive claim that interdimensional beings exist—citing her access to classified materials and her support for the UAP Transparency Act. As public belief in UFOs grows and scientific curiosity intensifies, the episode examines how cultural myths, political momentum, and psychological impulses fuel our fascination with life beyond Earth. The conversation then shifts to...

Episode #63 opens with a review of the federal intervention in Washington, D.C., where President Trump declared a public safety emergency and deployed National Guard troops—despite declining crime rates. The hosts explore the contradictions of a city that symbolizes American democracy yet lacks full democratic rights, tracing the legal foundations of federal control, the override of local justice reforms, and the tension betw...

The hosts dissect the intensifying legal battle between President Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James, now facing DOJ scrutiny over her handling of Trump’s fraud case. At stake are the limits of state power, the reach of federal oversight, and the influence of political bias in what could become a defining clash over constitutional protections. The episode concludes with an interview featuring Henrik Wen&os...

Episode #61 examines the controversy surrounding President Trump’s $200 million, privately funded White House ballroom, raising questions about the optics of opulence amid deepening political and economic divides. The hosts explore whether such grandeur aligns with empathetic leadership in a fractured era. The episode concludes with Dr. Akli Adjaoute — AI entrepreneur and founder of Exponion — discussing...

The hosts dive into the erosion of public trust in American democracy, spotlighting Democratic lawmakers’ controversial quorum-denial tactics in Texas and the party’s broader struggles with credibility and leadership. It culminates in a sharp critique of Vice President Kamala Harris’s political trajectory, questioning her effectiveness and symbolic role in a fractured system. The show concludes with an interview f...

Show #60 starts with an exploration of how Jack Smith, once a low-profile prosecutor, became a central figure in the legal and political firestorm surrounding Donald Trump. It then pivots to the current twist: Smith himself is under investigation for potentially violating the Hatch Act, raising questions about prosecutorial neutrality and political influence. The hour ends with an interview featuring Mark Reinisch, a life coac...

The hosts kick off the hour by examining the unraveling media deals and plummeting popularity of Harry and Meghan, weaving together polling data, personal drama, and public fallout. As financial pressures mount and their image dims, the episode asks: could royal reconciliation be a lifeline—or just another act in the spectacle?  The show wraps up with an interview featuring Lt. Col. Robert McGinnis, a retired U.S. Army A...

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...