Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas

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...

The team discusses Pope Leo XIV’s installation and the challenges he faces, including the Vatican’s financial instability, scrutiny over his past handling of abuse allegations, and his approach to Church unity. The show concludes with Mark Gogolewski, author of How to Be OK (When You're Supposed to Be OK But You're Not), a look at men’s mental health, addiction, and finding strength in vulnerability.&nbs...

The show explores the history and commercialization of Father’s Day, leading into a discussion on modern masculinity—how expectations of strength, leadership, and emotional intelligence shape men’s lives. The hour concludes with Tom Davis Jr. and Jack Watts, authors of An American Hero: One Man’s Legacy of Fatherhood and Faith, a story of resilience, honor, and the values that shape generations. 

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The team examines Prince Harry’s ongoing tensions with the royal family and his recently expressed desire for reconciliation with King Charles and other relatives. Meanwhile, past controversies—including the couple’s bombshell Oprah interview, Harry’s memoir Spare, and lingering accusations of racism and family rifts—continue to shape his strained relationship with the monarchy. The hour concludes...

The hosts discuss a proposed law that would require public school classrooms in Texas to display the Ten Commandments, a measure seen as promoting biblical principles fundamental to Christianity and Judaism. The legal issues surrounding religious displays in public spaces are examined. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Tom Lawry, author of “Health Care Nation,” who discusses the future of healthcare an...

The hosts debate whether free speech is under attack at American universities and examine whether the Trump administration's policies—restricting activism and international student enrollment—infringe upon constitutional rights and academic freedom. The show concludes with an interview featuring Dr. Daryl Davis—an actor, international recording artist, lecturer, and race relations expert—who discusses h...

The team delves into the controversy surrounding former FBI Director James Comey’s '86-47' social media post, which many interpreted as a coded threat against President Trump. The hosts then discuss a Gallup report revealing that young American men experience higher levels of loneliness compared to their global peers. The hour concludes with an interview featuring Dr. Rebecca Grant -- a national security analyst based ou...

This hour examines the controversy surrounding President Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar, raising concerns about potential violations of national security and the law. The hosts also discuss conflicts within the Democratic Party, including tensions with gun activist David Hogg and his progressive campaign efforts. The show concludes with an interview featuring Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a trailblaz...

This hour explores whether the Democratic Party is undermining the political process, following Bernie Sanders’ recent criticisms and allegations of election interference by Democratic Party elites. The hosts also examine Democratic lawmakers’ recent confrontations with ICE officials, including reported threats made by Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The hour concludes with an interview fea...

The hosts explore the historical foundation of birthright citizenship in the U.S., as well as the legal and constitutional debates over its interpretation and efforts to restrict it. The show concludes with an interview featuring Michael Hoffen, a 16-year-old scholar and author, whose book “Be a Scribe!” offers an extraordinary translation of an ancient Egyptian papyrus.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported from the U.S. in March 2025, despite a federal court order blocking his removal. The Trump administration justified the deportation by citing alleged MS-13 ties and past domestic abuse accusations. The hosts examine whether the deportation was legally supportable. The hour ends with an interview with Dr. Michaela Renee Johnson, a bestselling author, nationally recognized happiness expert, and ...

The hosts examine the controversy triggered by a New York Magazine article that has raised concerns about Senator John Fetterman's mental and physical health. The segment also highlights the irony of Democrats supporting Fetterman’s fitness for office after his 2022 stroke while similarly endorsing President Biden’s suitability in the lead-up to the 2024 election cycle. The show concludes with an interview wit...

The hosts discuss the origins and commercialization of Mother's Day, reviewing surveys on what gifts most mothers prefer to receive. They then shift to the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who has been charged with obstruction after allegedly interfering in an immigration operation. The hour concludes with an interview with Patricia Bonis, author of Jeddah Bride, a memoir that explores the challenges of cross-cultu...

The guys discuss Katy Perry's involvement in a Blue Origin spaceflight, which has been criticized as a crass publicity stunt. The hour concludes with Lance LoRusso, an accomplished attorney, author, and founder of the Blue Line Lawyer Institute, as he discusses his latest book, When Cops Kill: The Aftermath of a Critical Incident which provides an in-depth look at the legal and emotional challenges officers face...