Here’s the pour.

Trump’s Former DHS Rings The Alarm | Unfiltered w Miles Taylor

A Secret Trip to Moscow That Didn’t Stay Secret

CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced two-hour visit to Moscow this week, and nobody in the administration has explained why. Reporting points to the Strait of Hormuz or a NATO warning, but the details leaked out of Moscow and Tehran, not Washington. Miles says routing this through the CIA instead of State signals how little Russia is taking American diplomacy seriously, and the leak itself looks like Moscow mocking the pressure campaign rather than fearing it.

Iran, Canada, and “Fighting the Last War”

Miles argued the U.S. can’t confront Iran without accounting for Russia and China, who’ve spent two decades building ties with Tehran that now insulate it from American pressure (a risk he says was flagged and ignored back in the first term). On Canada, he argued the tariff fallout will outlast Trump, pushing a key ally closer to China and damaging trust that took generations to build.

Quantum Computing: The Threat Nobody’s Discussing

Miles, who once oversaw quantum policy at Google, explained the coming “Q-Day”—when quantum machines can break the encryption protecting nearly all digital and national security data, with adversaries already banking encrypted data to unlock later. He recalled a Google quantum scientist telling stunned intelligence officials that the real open question isn’t when encryption breaks, but whether the government has any plan for machines developing genuine emotion, plausible by the 2030s—a conversation he says policymakers still aren’t having.

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More Miles: Find his daily writing at defiance.org, where they are funding constitutional lawsuits and whistleblower defense against the administration.

That’s the pour. Stay in the fight.

Up Next:

Tomorrow, our Devil’s Cut episode with is out! Don’t miss the impactful conversation about Christian Nationalism and our military.

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— Amy and the TIB Team

Independent Journalism In Wartime | Unfiltered w Aaron Parnas

Aaron didn’t set out to break a national story about Navy morale. It started with a Military Times report about a sailor going overboard during Lincoln’s extended Middle East deployment. Aaron made a video about it, and within hours his inbox filled with messages from military families saying there was a lot more going on than one report captured. Dozens of conversations later, a much bigger story emerged.

A deployment that was supposed to run six months stretched toward nine, mixed messaging from the Pentagon about whether the country was “at war,” and a growing sense that families and sailors were being kept in the dark.

Drones, dollars, and a $1.5 trillion budget

Aaron also flags an under-the-radar Wall Street Journal story. The Pentagon is quietly phasing out a drone battalion modeled on Ukraine’s success just weeks after that same battalion reportedly lost a simulated matchup against a Ukrainian unit. Add in a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget (half a trillion more than last year), and Amy and Aaron dig into what they see as staggering, largely uncovered waste, including Aaron’s read on why the president might be chasing a legacy built on territorial conquest rather than governance.

From a bathtub in Kyiv to millions of followers

The two get into how Aaron went from practicing law to reporting the news from his phone. It started with his young cousin sleeping in a bathtub in Kyiv during Russian missile strikes and a feeling that her story wasn’t being told well. A million followers in a week later, and a new model of journalism was born. Aaron and Amy talk candidly about the responsibility that comes with that kind of reach, how he handles corrections when he gets something wrong, and why he thinks the “creator journalist” era isn’t the future of news—it’s already the present.

Also on the docket:

• Ukraine’s shifting leverage and long-range strikes deep into Russia

• The Trump sons’ defense-industry investments and Aaron’s blunt take on the ethics of it

• North Korea’s missile tests, food safety recalls, and where the Epstein reporting stands

Pour yourself something good and press play. This one moves fast, covers a lot of ground, and has some of the most candid material yet on what’s actually happening to the people serving overseas right now.

And when you’re done watching, hop on over to Aaron’s podcast, The Parnas Perspective and subscribe to his substack.

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Up Next: Miles Taylor and Tia Levings

Unfiltered: is a national security expert who works in Washington, DC. Taylor previously served as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security, where he published an “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller A Warning, revealed himself to be the author, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump’s reelection.

Devil's Cut: is a writer and creator who shines a light on the abuses of Christian fundamentalism and offers contextual insight into the true horrors of religious trauma. Her memoir, A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, was released in 2024, followed by I Belong to Me in 2026.

--Amy and the TIB Team

This week on Truth in the Barrel, Amy sits down with Army Major General (Ret.) Randy Manner for a brutally candid look at the Iran war, and he is not feeling great about it.

Army General Speaks Out About Iran, Trump and Corruption

From burning through billions in weapons to running dangerously low on missile interceptors, Manner says the U.S. has no clear military endgame, no whole-of-government strategy, and no obvious way out. Oh, and we’re paying $12.7 million to shoot down $100,000 drones.

Then there’s the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., which Manner calls a costly misuse of military resources. They also get into the Pentagon’s dwindling readiness, shrinking leadership ranks, and increasingly questionable decision-making.

Plus: defense contractors, Trump family investments, women being pushed out of military leadership, testosterone tests, and what happens when a president only wants to hear from people who agree with him.

Watch Here

Up Next: Unfiltered with

We’re thrilled to have joining us this week. Aaron is a journalist, political commentator, and former attorney who has built an impressive following on TikTok, Instagram, and Substack. He covers the U.S. government and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 class in media. Be sure to tune in!

--Amy and the TIB Team

Last week on Truth in the Barrel: Unfiltered, Amy was joined by former Miss America and Pretty/Furious co-host Mallory Hagan to break down another absolutely unhinged week in American politics.

More BS From The F Minus Team | Unfiltered w

First up: Iranian hackers are reportedly targeting U.S. water systems. A pretty serious national security issue, right? Donald Trump’s response? Blame Minnesota.

Then there’s the Iran war, where every day is apparently Deal or No Deal: Middle East Edition. Are we bombing? Are we negotiating? Is Oman involved? Is anyone actually in charge?

Speaking of leadership, Amy and Mallory take aim at Pete Hegseth and the administration’s F-minus team, including the chaos and incompetence now rippling through the military.

They also discuss disturbing allegations against Republican Rep. Max Miller and ask a question that seems increasingly relevant:

Just how low is the bar for elected officials these days?

Plus:

• AI companies destroying books to train robots—what could possibly go wrong?

• Why Pete Hegseth may be coming for the military academies’ best professors

• Mitch Watch: How does one senator get 50+ days of paid leave while American moms aren’t guaranteed a single day?

• And finally, meet Sophie Grant, the ultra-runner attempting to run more than 1,200 miles across eight countries—because apparently watching this administration isn’t exhausting enough.

Pour yourself something strong.

Watch Here

Up Next: Unfiltered with General Randy Manner (Ret.)

General Manner is a retired U.S. Army Major General and experienced executive coach who helps leaders and organizations maximize their potential, strengthen leadership, and drive meaningful impact. Over three decades of military service, including senior leadership roles at the Pentagon and around the world, he led critical national security missions involving Iraq, chemical and biological threats, cybersecurity, and disaster response. He also brings extensive private-sector experience as a former CIO and Vice President at American Management Systems and Senior Partner at Korn Ferry, and serves on advisory boards supporting businesses, veterans, and nonprofits.

--Amy and the TIB Team

The one common thread in both conversations is that strong institutions don’t sustain themselves.

When Institutions Fail: Where Do We Go From Here? | Devil’s Cut w Zach Dembo

Congressional candidate and former Justice Department prosecutor Zach Dembo joined Amy to discuss what happens when Americans lose faith in the institutions that hold democracy together. Their conversation explored the constitutional oath of office, the politicization of the Department of Justice, congressional oversight, and why protecting democratic norms requires more than simply waiting for the next election.

The discussion also examined what it takes to rebuild trust once institutions have been weakened and why restoring that trust may require writing long-standing norms into law instead of assuming future leaders will simply honor them.

Watch Here

Women With More Military Experience Than Pete Hegseth | Devil’s Cut w Jessica Ruttenber

Retired Air Force pilot Jessica Ruttenber joined Amy to examine how recent Pentagon policies are affecting women in uniform. Drawing on more than 20 years of military service, Ruttenber discussed the progress women have made over the past several decades, why equal standards have long existed in operational military jobs and why retaining talented service members is critical to military readiness.

Their conversation also explored why representation in military leadership matters, how recruitment and retention are connected and what current policy changes could mean for the next generation of service members.

Watch Here

Together, these conversations asked an important question:

What happens when institutions stop serving the missions they were created to fulfill?

Whether discussing the Justice Department or the Department of Defense, this week’s episodes emphasize that public trust is earned through accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the Constitution, not political parties or individual leaders.

Up Next: Unfiltered with Democratic Strategist .

Mallory Hagan is a two-time political candidate turned Democratic strategist and consultant. She works for candidates and national organizations like on political messaging and digital strategy. You can find her podcast Pretty Furious on .

As always, thanks for listening, subscribing, and sharing Truth in the Barrel. We’ll see you next week for another unfiltered conversation.

--Amy and the TIB Team

Some weeks, it feels impossible to keep up. This was one of them.

On this week’s Unfiltered episode, Amy welcomes OB-GYN and public health advocate back to the podcast to sort through another whirlwind week of headlines—from an escalating war in Iran to contaminated lettuce, women’s health and one of the stranger ideas to come out of the Pentagon.

Hegseth’s Chet-tosterone, Dirty Lettuce and Women’s Health Update | Unfiltered w Dr. Kristin Lyerly

They begin with the latest developments in the Middle East, where the Trump administration’s claims of a quick victory have given way to a growing conflict, rising casualties and new questions about America’s strategy. They discuss what continued escalation means for U.S. service members, the growing price tag of the war and why Congress (and the American people!) deserve answers.

Closer to home, they dig into the largest cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history. Why are thousands of Americans getting sick from contaminated produce? And what happens when cuts to public health agencies make it harder to identify and stop outbreaks before they spread?

The conversation also turns to Americans’ health, as new administration policies threaten access to reproductive care, Medicaid changes put more rural hospitals at risk, and funding for women’s health research continues to face setbacks. Dr. Lyerly also shares a hopeful development: a new national effort to finally close the longstanding gap in women’s health research.

Watch Here

Of course, it wouldn’t be Truth in the Barrel without a stop at Mitch Watch, where Amy and Kristin discuss the growing questions surrounding Senator Mitch McConnell’s extended absence from the Senate.

Then comes perhaps the week’s most eyebrow-raising story: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s proposal for routine testosterone screenings across the military. Amy and Dr. Lyerly separate medical fact from political theater and explain why building a stronger military requires more than performative displays of masculinity.

Finally, The Dirty Swill returns with another example of Washington dysfunction that would have dominated headlines in almost any other era.

Pour yourself a glass and join Amy and Dr. Lyerly for another candid conversation on the stories shaping America.

Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

Coming up this week on TIB…

Join us as we welcome Zach Dembo, former federal prosecutor in the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and current candidate for Congress, for our next Devil’s Cut episode!

Plus, is back in the co-host chair for our Thursday episode of #Unfiltered.

Until next time,

Amy and the TIB Team

Dr. Lyerly—OB/GYN, advocate, and all-around great conversationalist—sits down with Amy and dives into the real issues. From health and family to community, policy, and everyday life, nothing’s off the table. Her show, The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Truth in the Barrel for updates on all platforms!

Last week on Truth in the Barrel: Unfiltered, Amy welcomed back retired U.S. Navy Commander Bobby Jones for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest escalation in the Middle East, America’s energy security, and the growing pressure on a free press

Trump’s Iran Strategy Continues to Unravel

The ceasefire is over. The fighting is back. And after months of declaring victory, the Trump administration finds itself once again engaged in military operations against Iran.

Amy and Bobby examine why the administration’s memorandum of understanding with Iran collapsed so quickly, how renewed fighting has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and why the United States continues to react instead of lead.

Drawing on his experience as a surface warfare officer, Bobby explains why protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is far more difficult than many Americans realize and why geography (not just military strength) continues to give Iran enormous leverage.

Why the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Matters

As global energy markets absorb another major shock, Amy and Bobby discuss one of America’s least understood national security assets: the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

With reserves sitting at their lowest levels in decades, they get into:

• Why the reserve was created after the 1970s energy crisis.

• Why repeatedly tapping it for short-term price relief creates long-term risks.

• How hurricane season, aging infrastructure and continued instability overseas could create serious vulnerabilities for the United States.

Watch Here

Press Freedom Under Pressure

The Justice Department’s subpoenas targeting New York Times reporters spark another conversation about the role of a free press during times of conflict.

Amy and Bobby discuss:

• The controversy surrounding Trump’s use of the new “Qatar Force One.”

• Why reporting on aircraft security features should not be treated as espionage.

• The growing tension between national security, transparency and press freedom.

Dirty Swill: Corruption of the Week

This week’s Dirty Swill dives into one of the biggest corruption scandals in modern Navy history: “Fat Leonard.”

Bobby shares firsthand perspective on how defense contractor Leonard Francis built an enormous bribery network throughout the U.S. Navy, what made the scandal so damaging, and why Francis is now asking Trump for a pardon.

Quick Shots

Amy and Bobby also cover:

• The mystery behind below-market gas prices at “Freedom Fuel” stations.

• Renewed concerns over deadly ICE enforcement operations.

• What the death of longtime Senator Lindsey Graham has reignited about age and term limits in Congress.

• Why no American city cracked The Economist’s list of the world’s ten most livable cities.

Pour Another One

This week, don’t miss Amy’s sit-down with Dr. Kristin Lyerly, obstetrics and gynecology specialist, advocate, and former candidate for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District.

Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

–Amy and the TIB Team

Last week on Truth in the Barrel, Amy sat down with former Navy cryptologist and good friend of the show to break down the latest military developments, why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints, and what they believe President Trump’s strategy (or lack thereof) means for America’s role on the global stage.

They also get into the recent NATO summit, where questions about America’s reliability as an ally continue to dominate.

Back home, Amy and Malcolm react to hundreds of members of the white supremacist Patriot Front marching through Washington, D.C., over the Fourth of July weekend. Plus: why ignoring extremist movements isn’t a viable strategy (shocking, we know).

This week’s episode also introduces a new segment: The Dirty Swill. Borrowing a term from the bourbon world, Amy will highlight one example each week of corruption, ethical failures, or abuse of power that deserves more attention. The inaugural edition focuses on President Trump’s pardon of a major Republican donor convicted in one of Washington’s largest corruption scandals.

Plus, Amy and Malcolm offer quick takes on:

• Trump’s reported intervention with FIFA following a controversial World Cup red card.

• Ongoing questions surrounding Mitch McConnell’s health.

• The joy and patriotism of welcoming new American citizens during Fourth of July naturalization ceremonies.

Watch Here

Need more Malcolm? Subscribe to his Substack here.

Coming up this week on Truth in the Barrel

On this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Bobby Jones from Veterans for Responsible Leadership.

You won’t want to miss this enlightening conversation between two veterans and national security experts!

--Amy and the TIB Team

Amy sits down with former Obama administration official, foreign policy expert, and author Joel Rubin to unpack the Trump administration’s latest agreement with Iran—and why the headlines aren’t telling the whole story.

The Art Of The Heel: How Long Will It Take To Clean Up Trump’s Mess | Unfiltered w/ Joel Rubin

Were we promised a “better deal”? Joel explains why the current agreement appears to offer Iran sweeping concessions while delivering little in return for the United States. The conversation digs into why nuclear inspections matter, what happens when diplomacy is driven by political theater instead of strategy, and why cleaning up the damage from years of chaotic foreign policy will take far longer than creating it.

But that’s only part of the conversation.

Amy and Joel also tackle the growing conflicts of interest surrounding Donald Trump and his business empire, including the eye-popping financial ties between the Trump family, foreign governments, and Middle Eastern investment funds. When the people negotiating on behalf of the United States are simultaneously making millions from those they’re negotiating with, where does America’s national interest end and personal profit begin?

Finally, Joel discusses his new book, Saving Democratic Foreign Policy: How Democrats Can Earn the American People’s Trust to Lead the World Once Again, and lays out what it will take to rebuild America’s credibility abroad while restoring public confidence here at home.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes after years of transactional diplomacy, weakened alliances, and blurred ethical lines, this conversation is essential listening.

Pour yourself a drink and join us. The cleanup won’t happen overnight, but understanding how we got here is the first step.

Coming Up This Week

This Thursday, July 2nd, tune into our Devil’s Cut episode with former Senator from Alabama. We will get into the gutting of the Voting Rights Act and why he’s running for governor of Alabama. You don’t want to miss it.

Watch Here

Until next week,

– Amy and The Truth in the Barrel Team

Trump’s Folly: The Worst Strategic Mistake Since Vietnam | Unfiltered with

We won’t sugarcoat it: The United States is experiencing a decline in global influence, the aftershocks of awful foreign policy decisions, weakened alliances, and domestic political polarization. We are here to break it down for you.

Last week on Truth in the Barrel, Amy was joined by retired Navy Commander Bobby Jones to talk about Donald Trump’s surrender to Iran and the impact his war will have on the region for a generation. Bobby argues that the administration’s MOU with Iran is one of the most significant U.S. strategic failures in recent history and warns that it could permanently reshape the Middle East's power dynamics.

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They also cover:

• G7: Europeans are increasingly planning a future with reduced U.S. leadership

• Voters are Catching On: Support for Trump is declining fast among white working-class voters

• Hegseth’s Hate Campaign: The Defense Secretary is unfairly sidelining women and minority military leaders

• USPS Interference: Reports of a proposed postal policy that could derail mail-in voting

Despite the clowns in Washington, it is not all bad news. Amy and Bobby end the episode on a high note, with talk of:

• The opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

• The New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals, including praise for former Karl-Anthony Towns.

• Enthusiasm for the ongoing FIFA World Cup and its value in exposing audiences to different cultures and geography.

Watch Here

Until next time,

–Amy and the TIB Team

There’s a saying in the bourbon world: good whiskey doesn’t lie. Age it long enough, let the wood do its work, and the truth rises right to the top. That’s exactly what we’re doing here at Truth in the Barrel—week after week, pouring it straight, no chaser.

Last week’s Unfiltered episode is one you will not want to miss. Amy sat down with Dr. Kristin Lyerly (physician, advocate, and one of the sharpest minds we know) for a wide-ranging conversation that covered the chaos in Iran, the Pentagon’s war on women and minorities, the White House’s alarming enemies list, and the medical headlines every American needs to hear right now.

Pull up a chair. Pour something good. Let’s get into it.

Unfiltered: Iran, Hegseth, Enemies Lists & the Medical Headlines You Can’t Ignore with Dr. Kristin Lyerly

From a rudderless Iran policy to Pete Hegseth’s systematic dismantling of opportunity for women and minorities in the military, and then a deep dive into the health stories that deserve far more attention than they’re getting, this episode covers the full spectrum of what’s happening in America right now. Dr. Lyerly brings the clinical precision. Lt. Col. McGrath brings the fire.

They cover:

• No Plan in Iran: What the administration’s erratic approach means for U.S. national security and global stability

• Hegseth Sabotages Women and Minorities: Inside the Pentagon’s quiet rollback of hard-won progress

• Medical Headlines: Dr. Lyerly breaks down the health news that affects every American family

• Quick Takes: The White House Enemies List and the week’s other stories you shouldn’t miss

For some added context on the right’s fight to roll back women’s participation in public life, check out Helen Lewis’s eye-opening article in The Atlantic, “The Men Who Want Women Quiet.”

Last week’s episode tackled some of the most consequential questions of the moment from the erosion of democratic norms to the stories that cable news keeps glossing over. If you haven’t listened yet, this is your reminder. The conversation was exactly the kind of honest, searching dialogue we built Truth in the Barrel to have.

Watch Here

And don’t forget to tune in on Thursday with an all-new Unfiltered episode with Bobby Jones!

Until next time,

–Amy and the TIB Team

Welcome back to another edition of The Weekly Pour. This week, we observed Memorial Day, a time to honor the Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. It is a day to remember and honor the sacrifice behind every flag placed at a gravesite. It is also a time to recommit ourselves to the continuous work of building a more perfect union and protecting the essential values of fairness, equality, and freedom that make this a country worthy of sacrifice.

The Challenges and Successes of Appalachia with Mary Ann Fletcher | Devil’s Cut

Last week on Truth in the Barrel, Amy sat down with former WYMT news anchor Mary Ann Fletcher for an honest, deeply personal conversation about Eastern Kentucky and the challenges rural communities face every day.

Mary Ann brings both lived experience and journalistic insight to a conversation that cuts through stereotypes and focuses on the people behind the headlines.

They discuss:

• Why Appalachia wants respect, not pity

• The growing crisis facing rural hospitals and health care access

• What Medicaid cuts could mean for Eastern Kentucky families

• The resilience and pride of Appalachian communities

• How teachers, public schools, and infrastructure investments shape opportunity

• Why local journalism still matters in rural America

• The future of economic development in coal communities

Mary Ann also shares stories about growing up in a coal mining family, watching the local news around the dinner table, and eventually becoming a reporter herself–proving talent and determination come from every corner of Kentucky.

Watch Here

Tomorrow, tune in this week for an all-new Unfiltered episode featuring Sarah Stewart Holland from Pantsuit Politics!

Until next time,

–Amy and the TIB Team

They also break down the fallout from the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act decision, rising economic pressures at home, and why the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act is one rare example of Washington getting something right.

This Week’s Key Moments:

• We’re Failing in Iran
  Amy and Nicole unpack why the administration’s military strategy appears disconnected from reality and why the conflict may ultimately leave Iran stronger, not weaker.

• The Voting Rights Act of ’65
  The conversation shifts to the Supreme Court’s rollback of Voting Rights Act protections and aggressive gerrymandering efforts in states like Tennessee and Louisiana.

• Gas Prices and the Ballroom
  With gas prices climbing nationwide, Amy and Nicole discuss the economic consequences of instability in the Middle East and the disconnect between everyday Americans’ financial struggles and billion-dollar White House renovation plans.

• The Major Richard Star Act
  The episode closes on a bipartisan bright spot: support for the Major Richard Star Act, legislation that would allow combat-injured medically retired veterans to receive full retirement pay and disability compensation simultaneously.

If you’ve been trying to make sense of recent headlines, from foreign policy chaos to domestic political battles, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Watch Here

--Amy and the TIB Team

Dr. Marianne McGrath, otherwise known as Amy’s mom, joined the podcast to dig into what parenting looks like across generations—from growing up without screens and social media to raising kids in today’s hyperconnected world. Dr. McGrath shares candid thoughts about children “looking outside themselves” through devices rather than relying on their imagination, while Amy opens up about the constant balancing act between motherhood, career, public life, and the guilt every parent feels at one point or another.

Watch Here

There are also some genuinely unforgettable stories:

• Amy describes survival school and swallowing a rabbit eyeball whole.

• The emotional moment when her young son matter-of-factly assumed his little sister would become a fighter pilot “because that’s what Mom does.”

• Family dinner traditions, campaign trail parenting, and the lessons that stick long after childhood.

• Surprise appearances and questions from the “moms of Truth in the Barrel” (and even Amy’s kids themselves)!

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of mother raises a Marine fighter pilot, Senate candidate, defense and foreign affairs advisor, and popular podcast host, this episode answers that question pretty quickly.

Listen to the Mother’s Day Special of Truth in the Barrel now and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Plus, look out for an all-new Unfiltered episode this week with Nicole Malachowski!

Subscribe now

See you next week,

Amy and the TIB Team

Unwinnable Conflicts, “Griftianity,” and Trump’s Liquor Cabinet—Unfiltered with Beth Silvers

Last week, Amy sat down with Beth Silvers of for a wide-ranging conversation on war, power, faith, and the chaos of governing in 2026.

From the escalating Iran conflict and the economic pain hitting families at home, to the rise of what Beth called “Griftianity” in Trump’s orbit, this was one of those episodes that connects the headlines to the real-world consequences all around us.

If you missed it, now’s the time to go back and listen.

Amy draws on her military experience to explain why conflict with Iran was always likely to spiral into economic warfare rather than military victory. The conversation breaks down how geography, global shipping routes, and long-term regional strategy have made this a dangerous standoff with no easy exit.

This isn’t just a foreign policy story. Rising fuel costs, supply chain disruptions and higher prices on everyday goods are already hitting working families. Amy and Beth connect the dots between global conflict and the grocery bill.

Beth offers a sharp analysis of how religion is being used as branding and political leverage rather than moral leadership. It’s bound to be one of the most talked-about moments of the episode.

Watch Here

Don’t forget to tune in this week, Thursday, for a brand new Unfiltered episode with Rick Wilson!

Until next time,
Keep questioning. Keep listening. Keep pouring.

--Amy and the TIB Team

Welcome back to The Weekly Pour, your weekly roundup from Truth in the Barrel.

If you missed last week’s episode, now is the perfect time to catch up. It is a timely and eye-opening conversation about the people who feed America and the policies putting even more pressure on them.

Has Trump Lost The Farmers? | Devil’s Cut with David Neville

Last week saw Amy in Henry County for a candid conversation with farmer David Neville about what is really happening on the ground with farmers in Kentucky.

For decades, politicians have talked about standing with farmers. But as David explains, the reality of Trump-era tariffs and trade policy has meant soaring costs, supply chain headaches, and more uncertainty for the people trying to keep farms running.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why tariffs are driving up the cost of seed, fertilizer, equipment, and repairs

• How delays in replacement parts can bring critical farm operations to a halt

• The hidden toll farming stress takes on mental and physical health

• Why buying beef from Argentina while American producers struggle makes no sense

• How clean energy, solar investments, and innovation helped farms stay competitive

• What is lost when grants and tax credits disappear

• How AI could reshape the future of agriculture

• Why cuts to farm-to-school and food pantry partnerships hurt entire communities

It is an honest, practical conversation that goes beyond politics and focuses on consequences, livelihoods, and the future of farming in America.

Watch Here

Don’t forget to share with someone who cares about rural communities, food prices, or where our economy is headed. Plus, tune in on Thursday for an Unfiltered episode featuring Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics!

Until next time,
Amy and The Truth in the Barrel Team

Here’s what you missed:

From America First to America Alone with Dr. Kristin Lyerly: Unfiltered

What does “America First” look like in practice? According to this week’s conversation, it’s starting to feel a lot more like America on its own.

Amy and Dr. Kristin Lyerly break down the chaos surrounding Trump’s threats abroad and a ceasefire that never quite materialized, and what it signals about U.S. leadership on the global stage. But they don’t stop there.

They take a hard look at Democrats–what’s working, what’s not, and what a more effective opposition could look like at this moment. And at home, they confront a troubling question: why are we seeing policies that appear to pull investment away from America’s own children and families?

Key moments:

• The reality behind the “ceasefire” narrative

• Where Democrats are falling short and where they can step up

• The growing disconnect between political messaging and lived reality

Abortion Is Not About Abortion with Dr. Kristin Lyerly: Devil’s Cut

Dr. Lyerly reframes the entire abortion debate: it’s not just about abortion. It’s about medical autonomy, access to care, and whether patients, not politicians, get to make decisions about their own bodies.

From forced C-sections to women being denied care for miscarriages and life-threatening pregnancies, the conversation highlights how fragmented laws are reshaping health care in real time. And the consequences are stark: delayed treatment, cross-state travel for basic care, and rising risks for patients.

The episode also pulls back the curtain on how reproductive health care connects to everything from IVF to rural hospital closures and why misunderstanding these issues has real consequences.

What stands out:

• Why “abortion” is a misleading frame for a much broader health care issue

• The growing gaps in care depending on where you live

• How policy decisions are affecting everything from fertility treatment to emergency care

• The mounting strain on rural health care systems and who pays the price

On the Lighter Side

We did, briefly, get back to bourbon.

Dr. Lyerly’s go-to? Woodford Reserve, though in true Wisconsin fashion, she’ll take it as part of a brandy Old Fashioned (sweet, with cherries). Not exactly Kentucky tradition, but we’ll allow it.

If you missed these conversations, now’s the time to catch up. These are the stories and stakes shaping the moment, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Until next week,

— Amy and the Truth in the Barrel Team

But even as the season shifts, the world doesn’t slow down.

This week’s conversations are a reminder of that reality from the front lines of modern warfare to deeper questions about leadership, faith, and the direction of our country. If you missed these episodes, they’re worth circling back to.

Unfiltered: The Drone Hunters of Kherson and Trump’s Cowardly Iran Address with Ken Harbaugh

What does modern warfare actually look like on the ground?

In this gripping conversation, Ken Harbaugh takes you inside his new documentary on Ukraine’s “drone hunters”—small teams of soldiers putting themselves directly in harm’s way to stop Russian suicide drones from killing civilians. These aren’t high-tech intercept systems. These are soldiers with rifles, seconds to react, and the weight of entire neighborhoods on their shoulders.

The details are staggering: fiber-optic-guided drones that can’t be jammed, skies laced with “spider silk” wires from past attacks, and a battlefield that feels like a fusion of trench warfare and science fiction.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there.

Amy and Ken pivot to the escalating conflict with Iran and what they see as a dangerous mix of strategic confusion, political posturing, and a refusal to learn from history. From questions about military humility to concerns about leadership, accountability, and even the risks of escalation, this is a candid, unfiltered look at decisions that could define a generation.

If you want to understand where things stand and where they could be headed, this episode is essential listening.

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Check Out The Ken Harbaugh Show and The Drone Hunters Of Kherson https://substack.com/@thekenharbaughshow

https://valormedianetwork.com/

Devil’s Cut: Faith’s Place in Public Life & Politics with Michael Wear

What role should faith play in our politics, and what happens when it’s used the wrong way?

In this thoughtful and deeply relevant conversation, Michael Wear, author, strategist, and one of the leading voices on faith and public life, joins Amy to explore how political rhetoric around religion has shifted, and what that means for our country.

They draw a clear contrast between leaders who have historically approached faith with humility and moral seriousness, and the way it’s increasingly being weaponized today in ways that divide rather than unite.

This isn’t a surface-level discussion. It’s a deeper examination of values, leadership, and the kind of political culture we’re building. And it raises a bigger question: what does it actually look like to bring faith into public life in a way that elevates, rather than degrades, our discourse?

If you’re interested in the intersection of culture, character, and leadership, this one is worth your time.

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Check out Michael Wear’s New Book.

Pour yourself something strong and give them a listen. Then tune in today to hear Dr. Kristin Lyerly discuss the state of reproductive health since the Dobbs ruling, and as always, listen on Thursday for a new Unfiltered!

--Amy and the TIB Team

If you missed it, you’ll want to go back and give it a listen.

From questions about ICE agents showing up in airports to a blunt assessment of whether there’s any real strategy on Iran, Amy and Denver don’t dodge the hard topics. They dig into what’s actually happening (and what isn’t!) when it comes to national security and political decision-making. And in true Truth in the Barrel fashion, they close by taking a hard look at election policies that raise more questions than answers.

This episode is a reminder of what makes this podcast different: two veterans, two perspectives, and one shared belief that honest dialogue still matters.

On the pour last week:

• ICE in our airports – What’s really going on, and why it matters

• No plan in Iran – A candid look at U.S. posture and leadership

• Their election plan – Voting requirements and the politics behind them

Whether you tune in for the policy debate or just the bourbon-fueled honesty, this is one you shouldn’t skip.

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Small Batch Episode:

If you only have time for a short listen, check out this Small Batch on the SAVE Act.

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This coming week, Amy is off to visit with another farmer. Stay tuned for what’s sure to be a lively conversation about the state of Kentucky agriculture, rural farming, tariffs, and more.

See you next week,

The TIB Team