Explore every episode of the podcast The Necessary Conversation
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Blue Wave | 09 Nov 2025 | 01:03:18 | |
This week on The Necessary Conversation, Haley abandons her family as the electorate sent Donald Trump a message louder than any poll: America is tired of MAGA. In one of the biggest Democratic sweeps in modern history, voters across the nation delivered a crushing rebuke to Trump’s authoritarian movement. And while Haley is away on vacation this week, the rest of us break down everything happening in this wild political moment — from Trump falling asleep on camera again to Steve Bannon openly admitting Republicans need to seize the government to avoid prison. 🌊 THE BLUE WAVE IS REAL Democrats won every major race this week — and by landslide margins: ✅ Virginia: Abigail Spanberger wins governorship by 14–15 points Trump blamed the losses on “not being on the ballot” and the shutdown. 💬 Are voters rejecting Trump’s leadership? 😴 SLEEPY DON STRIKES AGAIN Trump literally fell asleep during a live Oval Office press conference about weight-loss drugs — head drooping, eyes closed, drifting off for almost 20 minutes while Dr. Oz and RFK Jr. talked. This adds to a long list of public nod-offs: 💬 Is Trump just as “sleepy” as Biden? 🔥 BANNON SAYS THE QUIET PART OUT LOUD At a conservative event, Steve Bannon openly said Republicans must “seize the institutions” or many of them will “go to jail.” He literally told the crowd the authoritarian part out loud. 💬 Why does he think he’ll go to jail? 🥫 SNAP NIGHTMARE: 42 MILLION AMERICANS IN LIMBO Two federal judges ordered Trump to restore SNAP (food stamp) benefits during the shutdown — but Trump appealed to the Supreme Court to block it. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily sided with Trump. 💬 Why is Trump fighting so hard to keep Americans from getting food? ✈️ GROUNDED: AMERICA’S AIR TRAVEL COLLAPSES Day 38 of the longest shutdown in history is wrecking air travel: 💬 Is this “making America great again”? And for the simmer down - we all discuss a time when someone helped us that we'll never forget. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation. #BlueWave #TrumpShutdown #SleepyDon #SNAP #GovernmentShutdown #Bannon #TheNecessaryConversation #Politics #MAGA If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump's 60 Minutes Appearance | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:43:50 | |
In this episode of Busting the Maga Bubble, Chad and Mary Lou react to some clips from Trump's appearance on 60 Minutes this Sunday. Mary Lou also supplies a clip from Candace Owens discussing Charlie Kirk's murder. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Maga Martyr | 14 Sep 2025 | 01:00:38 | |
This week’s episode of The Necessary Conversation dives into one of the most chaotic weeks in American politics yet. 👉 Topics We Cover: Charlie Kirk Assassinated Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. We break down what happened, the shooter’s identity, Trump’s reaction, and how white supremacist groups are already trying to weaponize his death. We also compare it to other recent political assassinations, like the killing of Rep. Melissa Hortman, and debate whether video games, the internet, or guns themselves are to blame. Trump’s Health in Question At the 9/11 commemoration, Trump appeared with a droop on one side of his face — fueling speculation about a stroke. Combined with bruised hands and swollen ankles, questions about his fitness are louder than ever. Should the White House tell the truth if the President has a stroke? Would you still support him if his health collapses? Epstein Files Blocked Senate Republicans voted against releasing the Epstein files, with only Rand Paul and Josh Hawley siding with Democrats. Meanwhile, Trump now calls the files a “hoax” despite his own name appearing in Epstein’s infamous birthday book. We ask: Why are Republicans hiding this? Do you believe Trump’s denial? ICE Raids Return The Supreme Court voted 6–3 to let ICE resume “roving raids” where people can be detained based on race, language, or occupation. Civil rights groups call it racial profiling; Trump calls it law and order. We debate: should ICE really have the power to grab people off the street? 🕊 Simmer Down After all that intensity, we take a lighter turn: what’s the craziest, most impulsive thing you’ve ever done? ✨ Drop your thoughts in the comments: Was Charlie Kirk a martyr? Is Trump too sick to lead? Should the Epstein files be public? If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Pelosi Running Again | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:55:07 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump's Mugshot | 28 Aug 2023 | 01:00:17 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Barbie Went Woke And Is Not Going Broke | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:53:13 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Hunter Biden Pleads Not Guilty | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:59:19 | |
This week the Kultgen family discusses: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Too Scared To Debate | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:54:51 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Cocaine In The White House | 17 Jul 2023 | 01:01:02 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| The End Of Affirmative Action | 03 Jul 2023 | 01:04:41 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump On Trial | 19 Jun 2023 | 01:00:17 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump's Second Indictment | 12 Jun 2023 | 01:01:31 | |
The Kultgens (Sans Haley) discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Desantis Is Running | 29 May 2023 | 01:02:18 | |
The Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Lib Sibs | 07 Sep 2025 | 01:10:03 | |
This week’s episode of The Necessary Conversation is a little different. With our parents absent — after the loss of their beloved dog, Kitty Kat Sugar Bear, and Dad recovering from a fall — it’s just Chad and Haley behind the mics. We take this moment to reflect on what 3 years of doing this show has meant for us, our family, and our listeners. From fiery debates to unexpected breakthroughs, the journey has been as messy as it has been meaningful. 💬 Topics We Cover: The Show
Family Dynamics
Politics
It’s an unfiltered, intimate conversation — just the siblings this time — as we look back, look forward, and ask: Has this podcast made any difference at all? 👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Do you think debates like this can actually change minds? If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Drag Queens In The Navy | 08 May 2023 | 01:00:14 | |
The Kultgens Discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Biden Is Running | 01 May 2023 | 00:58:55 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Hunter Biden's Laptop | 24 Apr 2023 | 01:02:58 | |
The Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Is Arrested In NY | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:57:43 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Is Indicted | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:58:07 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Still At Large | 27 Mar 2023 | 00:59:01 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Mary Lou Produces Half An Episode | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:56:01 | |
In this week's show the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump's CPAC Lies | 13 Mar 2023 | 00:58:39 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump at CPAC | 06 Mar 2023 | 01:02:35 | |
In this episode the Kultgens listen to clips from Trump's keynote speech at CPAC from this past weekend. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Water | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:58:20 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Thoughts and Prayers | 31 Aug 2025 | 01:01:50 | |
This week on The Necessary Conversation we cover one of the heaviest news weeks yet. 👉 Here’s what we dive into: 🏫 School Shooting in Minneapolis A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School left 2 children dead and 17 others injured. We discuss the shooter’s identity, manifesto, and why gun violence has now become the #1 cause of death for kids in America. ⛳️ Trump Rumors & Golfing Again Trump vanished from public view for 4 days, sparking #trumpdead trends online. JD Vance even said he was “ready to step in” if tragedy struck. But Trump reappeared—on the golf course, again. We unpack the health rumors, bruised hands, and succession talk. 🇺🇸 Burning the Flag Trump signed an executive order criminalizing flag burning, despite Supreme Court precedent. An Army vet was arrested protesting in DC. Free speech or disrespect? 📰 Israel Kills Journalists Israel’s double-strike tactic at Nasser Hospital killed at least 20 people, including 5 journalists and medical staff. We discuss whether this marks a turning point in calling the Gaza war a genocide. 🧪 CDC in Crisis Trump fired CDC Director Susan Monarez less than a month after appointing her. Top officials resigned, dozens of employees walked out, and RFK Jr. is reshaping vaccine policy with skeptics on advisory boards. Is the CDC being dismantled from within? 📦 No More Mail Trump axed the “de minimis” exemption, forcing tariffs on low-value imports. Now over 25 countries—including the UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia—are suspending shipments to the U.S. What does this mean for consumers? 🐾 Simmer Down Not everything’s heavy—this week, we lighten up with Taylor & Travis. 💬 Join the debate: Should flag burning be illegal? Is Trump’s health failing? Why is America leading the world in school shootings? And would you give up your guns if it ended school shootings forever? 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every Sunday If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Biden's Balloons | 20 Feb 2023 | 00:51:31 | |
Due to technical difficulties, Haley and Chad are forced to discuss the issue without their parents: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Biden's State Of The Union | 13 Feb 2023 | 00:54:54 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| The Chinese Spy Balloon | 06 Feb 2023 | 01:01:43 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Why Classify Anything? | 30 Jan 2023 | 00:56:44 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Listener Question Grab Bag | 23 Jan 2023 | 00:58:56 | |
The Kultgens answer a slew of listener questions! If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Biden's Classified Documents | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:52:14 | |
The Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| McCarthy In The House | 09 Jan 2023 | 00:56:28 | |
This week the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump's Big Announcement | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:59:21 | |
The Kultgen family discusses: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Welcome Home Brittney Griner | 12 Dec 2022 | 01:03:57 | |
The Kultgen family discusses: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Asks For The Destruction Of The Constitution | 05 Dec 2022 | 01:02:00 | |
In this episode the Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Will Trump Go To Heaven? | 24 Aug 2025 | 01:05:46 | |
This week on The Necessary Conversation: 🗳 Texas vs. California Texas Republicans delayed flood relief to ram through a redistricting bill flipping up to 5 House seats. Gavin Newsom fired back with the Election Rigging Response Act. Is this tit-for-tat how democracy is supposed to work? 📺 Newsmax Lied After years of pushing election conspiracies, Newsmax will pay Dominion $67 million in a defamation settlement. First Fox, now this. Is conservative media finally paying for the Big Lie? 📬 No More Mail-In Ballots Trump vowed to end mail-in voting before the 2026 midterms — citing Putin of all people as backup. He claimed the U.S. is the only country using them (false: at least 34 do, including Russia). With 99 million ballots mailed in 2024, does ending them destroy fair elections? 👼 Will Trump Go to Heaven? Trump told Fox & Friends: “I want to try to get to heaven, if possible. I’m really at the bottom of the totem pole.”Does divine judgment care about Stormy Daniels or separating families? 🖥 Welcome to Communist America? The Trump admin just bought 10% of Intel — $8.9B worth. The U.S. government is now its biggest shareholder. Is this strategy, socialism, or self-enrichment? 📱 The White House on TikTok Trump once pushed to ban TikTok — but now the White House has an official account posting pro-Trump propaganda. Mixed messaging or smart youth outreach? 🐾 Simmer Down Not everything is fire and brimstone — this week we celebrate Kitty Kat Sugar Bear’s 14th birthday. 🎂🐶 💬 Join the debate: Should states redraw maps mid-decade? Should mail-in voting die? Will Trump ever face consequences? Or should we just eat cake with Kitty Kat? 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every Sunday If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Post Thanksgiving America | 28 Nov 2022 | 00:58:17 | |
The Kultgens discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump Is Back | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:58:06 | |
The Kultgen family discusses: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| The Red Wave That Never Came | 14 Nov 2022 | 00:58:44 | |
The Kultgen's debate the outcome of the 2022 midterms. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| The Midterms Are Upon Us | 07 Nov 2022 | 00:57:52 | |
The Kultgens discuss important issues that will play a crucial role in this week's midterm elections. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Pelosi Attacker - Paid Actor? | 31 Oct 2022 | 01:00:45 | |
The Kultgen family discuss: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Your America vs. My America | 24 Oct 2022 | 01:04:35 | |
Listener Discretion is advised - some language in this episode regarding race may be considered offensive. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Tenth Anniversary | 17 Oct 2022 | 00:58:12 | |
The Kultgen family discuss how this show has affected their relationship for the past ten weeks as well as: If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Mary Lou and Bob Pick The Topics | 10 Oct 2022 | 00:56:23 | |
The title says it all. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Trump's Greatest Hits | 03 Oct 2022 | 01:00:20 | |
Mary Lou, Bob, Haley and Chad react to four of Trump's most famous pieces of audio. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Book Bans, Iranian Protests, Trans Healthcare and Trump's Indictment | 27 Sep 2022 | 00:59:52 | |
Haley, Chad, Bob and Mary Lou discuss the biggest news in politics and American culture. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Red Carpet Treatment | 17 Aug 2025 | 01:07:20 | |
This week on The Necessary Conversation, the Kultgen family breaks down a wild stretch of politics at home and abroad—while celebrating three years of arguing, laughing, and surviving together. 🇷🇺 Trump & Putin: Red Carpet in Alaska Donald Trump rolled out literal red carpet treatment for Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. The pageantry included flyovers, limo rides, and fawning photo ops—but no ceasefire deal for Ukraine. We discuss the ICC arrest warrant for Putin, the abduction of nearly 19,000 Ukrainian children, and whether Trump’s “end the war in 24 hours” promise is officially broken. 🪖 Martial Law in D.C. For the first time ever, Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to seize control of the D.C. police and deploy 800 National Guard troops. He claims crime is “out of control,” even as statistics show violent crime at a 30-year low. He also hinted at federal takeovers in Chicago, LA, NYC, Baltimore, and Oakland. Is this democracy—or something closer to authoritarian control? 💰 Trump’s Billions The New Yorker reports Trump has profited $3.4 billion during his presidencies, with the bulk coming from crypto schemes, Mar-a-Lago, PAC money, and merchandising. We break down the biggest numbers and ask whether any president should be allowed to profit like this. 🚨 Criminalizing Homelessness Trump signed executive directives turning homelessness itself into a crime, clearing 70+ encampments in D.C. under a “no-tolerance” policy. We ask whether arrests solve anything—or simply punish the vulnerable. 📉 Inflation, Jobs & Trump’s Numbers Game With inflation spiking and jobs growth lagging, Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner and installed a loyalist. We dig into whether future “official numbers” will be fact or fiction. 🌉 Gavin Newsom Trolls Trump California Governor Gavin Newsom clapped back at Trump with parody “all caps” tweets and unveiled a plan to redraw districts that could flip five House seats. Is this trolling—or a serious counterstrike? 🔑 Episode Highlights
👉 What do YOU think: Is Trump protecting America—or himself? #Trump #Putin #Ukraine #Newsom #PoliticsPodcast #TheNecessaryConversation If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Joe Bama | 19 Sep 2022 | 01:00:54 | |
Bob, Mary Lou, Chad and Haley discuss the possibly illegal transfer of immigrants from Florida and Texas to Democratically controlled states, if universal healthcare should exist at all and what is the true nature of UFOs. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| Texas | 13 Sep 2022 | 00:58:28 | |
The Kultgen family discusses the current political climate of their home state of Texas as well as Joe Biden's Cancer cure Moonshot speech. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||
| The Joe Biden Speech | 05 Sep 2022 | 01:05:13 | |
The entire Kultgen family (Mary Lou, Bob, Haley and Chad) offers their reaction to Joe Biden's Philadelphia, PA speech on September 1st about MAGA Republicans and the threat they pose to American Democracy. If you have a question for anyone on the show, record it in a 1 minute or under audio or video clip and send it to: | |||