Politics Unfiltered

Power Without Purpose: Shutdowns, Ceasefires, and a Rising Trade War

Step into the mini Oval Office with Hendrell Remus as he threads three explosive stories—Washington’s furloughed workers and a government shutdown with no end in sight, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that reunites families yet leaves ruins in its wake, and a rekindled U.S.-China trade war that threatens to remake the global order.
This episode reveals how power without principle leaves everyday people paying the price—and why fragile moments of mercy can hang by a thread.
Press play and stay with the story: this is a week where lives, livelihoods, and the shape of the future are all on the line, and the choice to act could change everything.

Talking To Memphis: Is the National Guard Necessary?

This is Part 1 of a multi-part series of Politics Unfiltered, Hendrell brings together three Memphians — Ruby Powell‑Dennis (Elect Black Women PAC, Shelby County Democratic Party), Luke Cymbal (Vice Chair, Republican Party of Shelby County), and Richard Massey (community organizer and University of Memphis student) — to discuss the arrival of federal agencies and the National Guard as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force surge.
Topics covered include the role of federal law enforcement and the National Guard, Operation Viper and recent arrest statistics, civil‑rights and due‑process concerns (including ICE activity), local vs. federal coordination, gun policy and permitless carry, juvenile justice, education and economic investment as long‑term solutions, and the optics and political implications of the deployment.
This conversation highlights the disagreement over whether the surge is a necessary, short‑term fix or political theater that risks civil‑rights harms; debate over causes of violent crime and whether investment in schools, jobs, and community resources would be more effective; and discussion of how the intervention might affect local politics and public trust going forward.

Unfiltered with Dr.Thurston Smith: America Are You Ok?

If you want a straight, heart-to-heart on what’s happening right now, this episode’s for you. We unpack the threat of the National Guard being deployed to our cities, attacks on free speech, and the Charlie Kirk fallout. In this episode Hendrell welcomes Dr. Thurston Smith to talk about whether we are losing our country to the ego of President Donald Trump.
This episode is honest, urgent, and practical — we're not just talking politics, we're talking about what’s at stake and what you can do to hold power accountable.

Trump vs. Memphis: We Won't Back Down

This episode is for my beloved Memphis. I'm calling out the politics of fear, the troop deployment, and why we must refuse to be baited or become a backdrop for Donald Trump's political side show.
Talk to your neighbors, stay disciplined if you protest, organize, and demand real investment — teachers, jobs, and hope, not tanks. We must save and protect our city together.

Charlie Kirk Is Dead: A Turning Point

Hendrell delivers a raw, reflective episode responding to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, examining both his rise as a polarizing conservative influencer and the broader consequences for American politics.
The episode covers Kirk’s role building Turning Point USA and energizing young conservatives, critiques of his divisive rhetoric and its contribution to political polarization, and a firm condemnation of political violence. Hendrell calls for honest reflection across the political spectrum, defends First Amendment rights, and urges listeners to choose unity over hatred.
This episode dives into the fragility of democracy, the dangers of inflammatory political speech, empathy for victims and their families, and a challenge to Americans to shape a less violent, more civil political culture.

10 Steps to Dictatorship: Could It Happen Here?

Hey — if you care about democracy, this episode is for you. We break down the 10 moves almost every dictator uses, from stoking fear to silencing rivals, so you can spot the signs early.
No scare tactics — just clear, honest talk without the fluff. Listen in, think critically, and let’s look out for each other and for the future of our democracy.

Gavin Newsom: Savior or the Next President?

In this week's episode, Hendrell breaks down why Gavin Newsom's bold stand against presidential overreach matters for all of us. From federalizing the National Guard to mid-decade redistricting fights, Newsom isn't playing by the usual rules — he's defending institutions and daring other governors to do the same. Tune in for a candid, urgent look at how state power could be our last line of defense for democracy. 

Voices from the Ground: South Carolina Voters Speak Out

Jump into a candid roundtable where everyday folks from Columbia, SC break down how inflation, health care, immigration raids, and national politics are hitting their lives — no pundit-speak, just real talk.We laugh, get frustrated, and ask the hard questions about who’s protecting our rights and livelihoods. If you want an honest, neighborly take on what’s really happening in politics, this episode feels like a chat over coffee.

Unfiltered with Christale Spain: Navigating the South's Political Crossroads

In this on the road episode, Hendrell sits down with South Carolina Democratic Party Chair, Christale Spain, to dive deep into her political journey and her leadership role in one of the most pivotal states in the nation. From South Carolina's unique first-in-the-nation Democratic primary status to the internal struggles of the Democratic Party itself, Christale offers unfiltered insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This episode explores how the shifting political climate is reshuffling the party landscape, with fresh perspectives on strategy, unity, and the road ahead. Tune in for an engaging conversation about politics, power, and the future of the Democratic Party in the south.

Unfiltered with Jerri Green: Is She Tennessee's Next Governor?

In this engaging episode, Hendrell talks with Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green, who is running for Governor of Tennessee. Jerri provides an unfiltered look at her political journey, from her roots in Memphis to her experiences as a public defender and City Councilwoman. As the first guest in the 'mini Oval Office,' Jerri shares her vision for a pragmatic governance style designed to bring real-world solutions to Tennesseans.
Throughout the conversation, she discusses her commitment to criminal justice reform, the vital need for community trust, and her innovative programs like the 'Work to Break the Cycle' initiative. Jerri candidly addresses the challenges of running in a state not traditionally favorable to Democrats, while sharing her plans to prioritize education, healthcare, and economic development across urban and rural areas alike.
Listeners will also enjoy a personal glimpse into Jerri’s life, preferences, and humorous anecdotes, making this episode both insightful and enjoyable.