Best Sound Check Chat Podcasts (2025)

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Seth Moulton on the Epstein emails, Venezuela, and the shutdown 36:33

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1d ago36:33

36:33

Rep. Seth Moulton (D–Mass.) is not one to shy away from criticism of his own party. He made waves in the past when he insisted that the Democrats’ approach to dialogue on transgender issues was stifling. Moulton has also been vocal about the need for generational change in an aging Washington. This time, the Massachusetts congressman is speaking ou…

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Loons Matchday Preview: A Game to Remember with Cal Williams 1:05:07

2d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Commentator Cal Williams joins Manny and Jonathan to recap a cinematic Seattle game, bounce around the rest of the league, and look ahead to USMNT friendlies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 322: The Road to the Loons with Dennis Lawrence 27:06

9d ago27:06

27:06

Assistant Coach Dennis Lawrence joins Zarek to reminisce on his soccer journey, from Trinidad to Wrexham A.F.C and all the way to Minnesota. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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The Conversation election special 2025: Mikie Sherrill and James Blair 59:25

9d ago59:25

59:25

New Jersey’s governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and James Blair, the political director for the Trump 2024 Campaign and the RNC, break down the lessons learned from this week’s Democratic sweep Election Night 2025 was a sweet one for Democrats nationwide. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race. Former congresswoman Abigai…

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Loons Matchday Preview: The Big Game 3 41:20

11d ago41:20

41:20

Manny and Jonathan recap the Twos' playoff run, take a brief look around the league, and home in on the upcoming make-or-break matchup against Seattle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 321: The Road to Success with Logan Dorsey 25:23

16d ago25:23

25:23

MNUFC2 striker Logan Dorsey joins Zarek to talk all things Twos, from the pressure of the pros to the team's unprecedented playoff run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 320: The Pregame Pep Talk with Cameron Knowles 21:51

16d ago21:51

21:51

Assistant Coach Cam Knowles joins Zarek to touch on the Twos, recap the Loons' most consistent season so far, and look ahead to a make-or-break Game 2 in Seattle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Can Jasmine Crockett teach Democrats how to communicate? 54:39

16d ago54:39

54:39

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) hasn’t been in Congress for very long, but she’s transformed the way that Democrats are communicating with voters and energized her colleagues in the party. Crockett is known for her willingness to frankly engage with Republican counterparts from Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green all the way to President Donald Trum…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Live from Brit’s with Dayne St. Clair 1:04:09

17d ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Dayne joins Manny and Jonathan at a live recording at Brit’s Pub to talk playoffs, Goalkeeper of the Year finalists, and the big PK win over Seattle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Why Sen. Rand Paul feels like GOP ‘whipping boy’ 45:48

23d ago45:48

45:48

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is known for being a firebrand when it comes to his conservative, small-government principles. He’s also known for being a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, despite taking issue with some of the president’s policies. But Paul takes issue with being what he says is the only Republican willing to stand up to Trump a…

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Episode 319: The Season Before Seattle with Dayne St. Clair and Michael Boxall 26:57

24d ago26:57

26:57

Dayne St. Clair and Michael Boxall join Zarek to discuss the 2025 regular season, international duty, and all things playoffs .. and fantasy football. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Loons Matchday Preview: The Wild Western Conference with Tom Bogert 58:14

25d ago58:14

58:14

MLS insider Tom Bogert joins Manny and Jonathan to talk about a crazy Decision Day and look ahead to the Round One matchups across the league. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Loons Matchday Preview: Postseason Predictions with Dan Terhaar 47:51

1M ago47:51

47:51

ESPN 1500 commentator Dan Terhaar joins Manny and Jonathan to talk everything from USMNT to Decision Day to MLS year-end awards. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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JB Pritzker says Trump is defunding the Chicago police 44:45

1M ago44:45

44:45

Nationwide, state and local officials are pushing back against President Trump’s plans to send the National Guard into various Democratic-run cities for crime and immigration enforcement support. One of the top Democrats leading the resistance is Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Trump has recently said that he believes Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon …

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Episode 318: The Keys to Consistency with Anthony Markanich 25:42

1M ago25:42

25:42

Wingback Anthony Markanich sits down with Zarek to talk about his scoring spree, striking a balance between work and play, and fantasy football. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 317: It's Twos Time with Jeremy Hall 24:48

1M ago24:48

24:48

MNUFC2 Head Coach Jeremy Hall joins Zarek to recap the Twos' successful season and pivot to a postseason mindset as the team approaches their first playoffs berth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Oregon AG to Trump: There’s no rebellion here | Dan Rayfield 51:40

1M ago51:40

51:40

Dan Rayfield is Oregon’s attorney general — and the latest state-level politician to be thrust into the national spotlight by a legal clash with the Trump administration. In this instance, it’s over the federal government ordering troops into Portland, where protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been deemed rebellion by the pres…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Playoff Possibilities with Jon Marthaler 43:12

1M ago43:12

43:12

Jon Marthaler joins Jonathan and Manny to talk possible playoff opponents, Ramsay's formation switch-up, and the continued success of Anthony Markanich as the top-scoring defender in the league. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Episode 316: Immediate Impact with Nectarios Triantis 16:24

1M ago16:24

16:24

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'They're causing real harm': Kevin Hassett on the Dems' shutdown standoff 55:21

1M ago55:21

55:21

Kevin Hassett is the director of the National Economic Council and arguably the economist closest to President Donald Trump. Right now, he’s also one of the top advisers tasked with explaining the economic fallout of the government shutdown and forging a path forward. Hassett joins POLITICO’s Dasha Burns for this week’s episode of The Conversation,…

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Episode 315: The Foundation with Hassani Dotson 23:23

1M ago23:23

23:23

Back on the active roster after injury, Hassani Dotson joins Zarek to discuss team dynamics, his recovery process, and what keeps him going through it all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Loons Matchday Preview: Tale of Two Halves with Kyndra de St. Aubin 1:18:54

2M ago1:18:54

1:18:54

MLS Season Pass commentator Kyndra de St. Aubin joins Manny and Jonathan to discuss the state of the East and West, recap the draw in Colorado, and set the scene for the final home match of the regular season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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James Talarico on immigration, his faith, and how Democrats are getting it wrong 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

James Talarico is a Texas state representative who’s recently announced his candidacy for US Senate. He’s a Democrat, but not afraid to criticize some aspects of his party. “National Democrats have talked about defending democracy or protecting institutions,” he said. “But, this democracy of ours doesn't work for a lot of people in this country. It…

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Loons Matchday Preview: The Final Countdown with Jon Marthaler 1:00:13

2M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Jon Marthaler returns to LMP to recap Chicago, discuss the Loons’ best season to date, and walk through the options up front with Kelvin Yeboah out for the remainder of the regular season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Trump AI Advisor Wants 'American AI,' not 'Woke AI' | The Conversation 34:48

2M ago34:48

34:48

Sriram Krishnan is a venture capitalist who once served as general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Now, he serves as White House Senior Policy Advisor for AI, where he has helped to develop President Trump’s American AI Action Plan. In a live interview with The Conversation host Dasha Burns at POLITICO’s AI & Tech Summit, Krishnan discussed what it…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Taking Care of Business with Kevin Egan 1:04:32

2M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

MLS 360 host Kevin Egan joins Manny and Jonathan to dive into the Loons’ recent form, take a look around the league’s wild Matchday 33, and explain just how important these last four games of the regular season are for Minnesota. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m…

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“A uniquely dangerous time”: The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing 26:17

2M ago26:17

26:17

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. Kirk founded Turning Point USA, which became one of the most influential conservative grassroots organizations in the country. He was a larger-than-life figure in Republican politics who was controversial, provocative, and intrinsically…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Keeping it Real with Tony Meola 57:48

2M ago57:48

57:48

Former USMNT keeper Tony Meola recaps the United States' recent international friendlies, and Manny and Jonathan look forward to San Diego and Open Cup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 314: Academy, Alliance, and Everything Else with Amos Magee 30:30

2M ago30:30

30:30

Head of Development & Player Pathway Amos Magee joins Zarek to talk everything from youth development to international experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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The Conversation returns Sept. 12! 1:43

2M ago1:43

1:43

The Conversation with Dasha Burns is back! In Season 1, Burns sat down with some of the most powerful players in Washington to get their perspectives on what’s really going on inside The White House. Join The Conversation again as Burns continues to explore how President Trump and his team are fundamentally reshaping the country, and how Democrats …

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Loons Matchday Preview: Team Talk with Tom Bogert 1:06:13

2M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

MLS insider Tom Bogert joins the table to talk about Leagues Cup finals, the transfer window, and striking a balance ahead of a busy return from the international break. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Loons Matchday Preview: Soccer Discussions at the State Fair with Jon Marthaler 42:02

3M ago42:02

42:02

Jon Marthaler joins Jonathan and Manny at the SKOR North booth of the Minnesota State Fair to discuss recent league and Loon happenings, Leagues Cup predictions and the upcoming game against the Portland Timbers. (As well as a second round of MNUFC State Fair trivia.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at …

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Episode 313: The Right Ingredients with Khaled El-Ahmad 28:48

3M ago28:48

28:48

Zarek chats with Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Khaled El-Ahmad about Minnesota United’s new signings, the process of discovering new players, and what happens now that the window’s closed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Exciting New Episode of FNI WRAPCHAT, With Brendan Canty 54:14

3M ago54:14

54:14

Brendan Canty's debut feature film Christy is a powerful and haunting exploration of grief, loss, and redemption. The film follows the titular character, played brilliantly by newcomer Sean O'Malley, as he grapples with the death of his wife and the aftermath of her tragic passing. Canty's direction is both sensitive and unflinching, capturing the …

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Loons Matchday Preview: Transfer Window Wrap-Up with Jon Marthaler 41:19

3M ago41:19

41:19

Jon Marthaler joins Jonathan Harris at the Minnesota State Fair at the end of the transfer window to discuss big moves around the league and MNUFC’s new acquisition, Dominik Fitz. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Episode 312: Catching Up with Carl Craig and Kevin Friedland 34:41

3M ago34:41

34:41

Former MNUFC head coach Carl Craig and defender Kevin Friedland join Zarek to talk all things past and present Minnesota United from the growth of the Wonderwall tradition to Christian Ramirez's delayed debut for the team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Setting the Stage for Seattle with Andy Greder 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press joins Manny and Jonathan to talk Son Heung-min, club transfer rumors, and a tough loss to Colorado, then look ahead to a high-stakes Seattle matchup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Episode 311: From the Ground Up with Angie Blaker 25:18

3M ago25:18

25:18

Angie Blaker joins Zarek to reflect on the growth of Minnesota United across her time in one of the most multifaceted positions in soccer: Head of Player Care and Operations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Celebrating a 5 Year Pod Anniversary at Bluey's World 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

Our podcast is celebrating five years since we started talking about Bluey and her home town of Brisbane! To celebrate we headed down to Bluey's World in Hamilton right by the river - because they are also celebrating 300,000 visitors through the doors, an extension through to March 2026, as well as a ton of new games and experiences. We also had a…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Getting Ready for the Rapids 45:28

3M ago45:28

45:28

Manny and Jonathan recap the Loons’ Leagues Cup performance and look ahead to a matchup against a Colorado side that’s made a very notable roster change. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Episode 310: Leagues Cup Bongi 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Bongokuhle Hlongwane sits down with Zarek to reminisce on playing with Sang Bin, explain the differences between American and South African soccer, and (obviously) talk about his Leagues Cup performance so far. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Rep. Sarah McBride Won’t Be Baited by GOP ‘Provocateurs’ 52:12

4M ago52:12

52:12

Freshman Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) is the first out transgender member of Congress. Within days of her election this past November, she faced attacks from Republican colleagues who tried to draw her into a public conflict. Nevertheless, McBride has continued to find ways to forge ties across the aisle. In this week’s episode of The Conversation, …

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Loons Matchday Preview: Around the League and Back Again 1:00:43

4M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Manny and Jonathan take a look around the league and discuss the transfer window, Bongi in Leagues Cup, and the approaching matchup against Club América. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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FDA Head Marty Makary on Food Dyes, Ultra-Processed Foods and the MAHA Agenda 50:32

4M ago50:32

50:32

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary is getting lobbied by the MAHA movement to restrict food dyes and ultra-processed foods, as well as by the food, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries to reduce government oversight. “We want to go bold and there are a lot of things to do,” Makary tells POLITICO’s Dasha Burns. “But we also…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Opening the Window with Callum Williams 52:26

4M ago52:26

52:26

A familiar voice joins Manny and Jonathan this week, as MLS Season Pass analyst Callum Williams joins the call to discuss the summer transfer window, recap the MLS All-Star win against Liga MX, and preview the Loons’ third matchup against St. Louis this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://a…

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Episode 309: Competition, Control, and Cups with Eric Ramsay 22:54

4M ago22:54

22:54

Head Coach Eric Ramsay sits down with Zarek to discuss roster competition, the mentality of getting the most out of what you have, and the Loons’ opportunities to advance in Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Sen. Eric Schmitt on being a White House whisperer and Senate budget reformer 42:04

4M ago42:04

42:04

Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is a lawyer, former state attorney general and a skilled navigator of the old — and new — wings of the Republican Party. He also has another title: White House whisperer. Schmitt joins POLITICO’s Dasha Burns to talk about his closeness with the Trump administration, driving the Senate’s $9.4 billion rescissions bill, his …

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Loons Matchday Preview: Kits and Kicks with Jimmy Conrad 59:45

4M ago59:45

59:45

Your favorite former USMNT player joins Manny and Jonathan to hype up the new Heritage Kit, recap a tight loss to LAFC, and look ahead to a highly-anticipated matchup against Portland. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Trump Border Czar Tom Homan: ‘There Will Be No Amnesty’ 1:04:59

4M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, is a longtime immigration law enforcement official now tasked with helping implement the administration’s massive deportation campaign. In a wide-ranging interview with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns, Homan explains what will be done with the $170 billion recently passed by Congress to help the effort, defends the tactics of…

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Loons Matchday Preview: Set Piece Superpowers 55:46

4M ago55:46

55:46

Manny and Jonathan recap Open Cup quarterfinals, look ahead to San Jose, and discuss the Loons’ strengths on set pieces. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.