Random Schmuck – Details, episodes & analysis

The Trump IRS is opening the floodgates to allow churches to become the vehicle for dark money in political campaigns. The Johnson Amendment is no more.

Email to randomschmuckpod@gmail.com.

References:

https://michiganadvance.com/2024/04/02/wrapped-in-a-flag-and-carrying-a-cross/

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/charities-churches-and-politics

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txed.232590/gov.uscourts.txed.232590.35.0.pdf

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/churches-now-allowed-endorse-candidates-transform-campaign-finances/story?id=123766327

Like "Russia, Russia, Russia", except there was overwhelming evidence that Russia interfered with the 2016 election. But...projection and confession, amirite???

Email to randomschmuckpod@gmail.com!

References:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-maga-jeffrey-epstein-files-rcna219073

https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/lauren-boebert-matt-gaetz-epstein-files-b2790074.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/us/politics/trump-political-enemies-evil.html

The Supreme Court just ended the United States of America as we know it and effectively handed Trump absolute dictatorial powers. I discuss the most dangerous Supreme Court decision in American history today. Email to randomschmuckpod@gmail.com.

Text of the decision: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24a884_new_g314.pdf

Religion is frequently weaponized for personal political gain, it needs to be called out whenever it happens.  Please email at randomschmuckpod@gmail.com.

More snacks!!!  Please share your snack stories at randomschmuckpod@gmail.com, I'd love to do an entire episode consisting of your stories!

Do you love snacks? Of course you do! After all of the doom and gloom, I figured we should do something light and sweet. I have so much to say on the subject that it's going to be two episodes at least. This is Part 1. I'd ove to hear what your favorite snacks are and your idiosyncratic ways of eating them!  Please write to me at randomschmuckpod@gmail.com and I will share your story on an upcoming episode!!

A roundup of the news after we bombed Iran.

Mike and I discuss the issue of Iran and Israel among other things. Email at randomschmuckpod@gmail.com.

Had a discussion with my brother earlier today where he claimed that the US has the greatest potential for social mobility of any other country in the world and that is what makes America so great. Is he right? I did some research, which I detail at length in this episode.

References:

https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/economics/social-mobility/

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/social-mobility-by-country#social-mobility-by-country

https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/02_economic_mobility_sawhill_ch3.pdf

https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/02/14/americans-overestimate-social-mobility-in-their-country

https://www.worldeconomics.com/Rankings/Economies-By-Inequality.aspx

https://www.statista.com/topics/789/wages-and-salary/#topicOverview

I would love to hear from you about the things you do and are passionate about. If you would like to be a guest host, please email at randomschmuckpod@gmail.com and pitch me your idea and maybe we can have a conversation to share with the world!