Ep. 357 Jenna Bentley Returns: Politics, Policy, Sports & Remembrance

Jenna Bentley of the Goldwater Institute is back with Chris Clements and Sean Noble — and there is plenty to rant about.

The Republican Party is holding its first-ever midterm convention, and we have a pretty basic question: Why? With control of Congress on the line, we debate whether that money, time and political energy would be better spent in competitive races across the country.

Then there’s President Trump’s inexplicable surprise promise of a $5,000 “Trump Dividend.” We have some questions about that, too.

And, naturally, we talk sports. Baseball is heading toward October, football is back, and the rivalry at the table is unavoidable: Jenna is a devoted Red Sox fan sitting across from two lifelong Dodgers fans. Chris and Sean are particularly happy after finally watching the Dodgers put together a complete game the night before against the hapless Cincinnati Reds. Jenna counters with Boston, and then it’s on to football and her beloved New England Patriots as another NFL season gets underway.

Then we remember.

Twenty-five years after 9/11. One year after the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Chris reflects on Charlie’s legacy and the unique role he played in bringing together different parts of the conservative movement through his personality, relationships and increasingly public Christian faith. Long before Turning Point USA became a national force, Charlie’s approach could be captured by one simple image: a table on a college campus and a sign reading “PROVE ME WRONG.” Sit down. Talk. Debate. Engage.

Jenna also previews the Goldwater Institute’s 2026 Freedom Gala on October 23 at the Arizona Biltmore, featuring special guest Adam Carolla. That sends us down another memory lane: Carolla’s years alongside Dr. Drew Pinsky on Loveline, the late-night KROQ institution that became nationally syndicated and eventually spawned an MTV show.

For those of us who listened to Adam and Dr. Drew back then, his later evolution into a prominent libertarian-leaning cultural and political commentator makes for an interesting trajectory. We talk about the journey from Loveline and The Man Show to podcasting, free-speech advocacy and his place today in the broader liberty-oriented media world.

Finally, Jenna outlines the Goldwater Institute’s current priorities and its work on economic competitiveness, consumer choice, individual liberty and limited government.

Politics. Policy. Sports. Remembrance. And a healthy amount of ranting.