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This week we break down the hypocrisy of coaches like Nick Saban who fought NIL deals while making millions off unpaid labor, interview Montgomery Mayor Stephen Reed about recent shootings and failed state gun legislation, and hear from Rep. Mary Moore on why the 2026 session accomplished nothing for working Alabamians. Plus: why Republicans' "let them play" crusade is really about defending segregation in schools. CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro8:34 - NCAA Exploitation & Nick Saban's NIL Hypocrisy31:42 - Mayor Stephen Reed on Montgomery Crime & Gun Violence1:10:24 - Rep. Mary Moore: Legislature Failed Workers & Democracy1:33:00 - Right Wing Nutslash: Private Schools & SegregationRESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the Alabama attorney general race, including sharp criticism of Jay Mitchell’s campaign rhetoric and his defense of controversial police prosecutions. Later, Rep. Patrick Sellers joins the show to talk about the legislative session, education funding, healthcare, and what lawmakers got wrong. The episode also dives into Alabama’s new abstinence-focused sex ed bill and closes with a look at Trump’s latest inflammatory foreign policy rhetoric. Timestamps 0:00 Into5:20 Jay Mitchell, Steve Marshall, and Alabama’s AG race30:11 Rep. Patrick Sellers on the legislative session53:15 Alabama’s new sex education bill1:00:53 Right-Wing Nut of the Week: Trump and “ending a civilization”RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person dig into new polling that suggests Alabama Republicans may be losing their grip on voters who care more about affordability than culture-war politics. They talk with Representative Adline Clark about voting rights, early voting, and barriers that still make it harder for Alabamians to cast a ballot. Later, congressional candidate Shane Weaver joins the show for a spirited conversation about Democrats, working-class voters, and the future of Alabama politics. The episode wraps with a sharp look at Katherine Robertson and why her comments on school desegregation sparked outrage. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the first lawsuit challenging Tommy Tuberville’s residency and what it could mean for the governor’s race. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed joins the show to push back on misleading narratives about his city, talk public safety, and call out dangerous political rhetoric. Later, guests from the Southern Poverty Law Center discuss the SAVE Act’s threat to voting rights and a new lawsuit against the University of Alabama over student magazines shut down under anti-DEI policies. Finally, Josh and David discuss Donald Trump's reaction to Bob Mueller's death. Plus, Wes Allen is our Rightwing Nut (yes, we're going back to "nut") of the Week. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh and David react to The Alabama Solution documentary missing out on an Oscar, then dive into Attorney General Steve Marshall’s remarks attacking the film. They break down why violence, rape, and extortion inside Alabama prisons are still crimes, no matter who the victims are. The conversation turns to rehabilitation, parole, and why Alabama’s prison system keeps making a bad problem worse. Then, Congressional candidate Amanda Pusczek joins the show to talk about running as a Democrat in Alabama’s 4th District, the reddest district in the country. She explains why low turnout, voter apathy, and a lack of competition have left so many people disconnected from politics. The conversation also focuses on rural hospitals, affordability, and what voters in the district actually care about. Representative Pebblin Warren joins the show to discuss the legislative session, rural healthcare, mental health, gambling revenue, and the state’s ongoing failure to address its biggest needs. She also talks about HBCU funding, Tuskegee University, and why Alabama keeps leaving money and opportunity on the table. The episode closes with a warning about proposed voting changes that could limit voter choice. Finally, Josh and David call out Tommy Tuberville’s rhetoric targeting Muslims and questioning what kind of politics he’s embracing. They discuss the double standards around religion, the way bias shows up in schools and healthcare, and why fear-based politics still works. It’s a blunt conversation about prejudice, political opportunism, and the danger of treating religious freedom like it only applies to some people. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of Alabama Politics This Week, Josh Moon and David Person break down Gov. Kay Ivey’s decision to commute the death sentence of Charles Lee Burton and the furious response from Attorney General Steve Marshall, then dive into a major fight inside the Alabama Democratic Party over straight-ticket voting. They’re also joined by USA Today investigative reporter Gina Barton to discuss her powerful reporting on the Walker County Jail death of Tony Mitchell, Sheriff Nick Smith’s leadership, and the culture that allowed such abuse to happen. To close things out, Josh and David react to the political fallout in Walker County and take on Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism, and the increasingly dangerous mix of MAGA politics, war rhetoric, and extremism. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down Alabama’s school choice debate and the financial impact on public schools, plus the truth about gambling policy in the state. The episode also features interviews with state house candidates Austin Smith and Jesse Barcala, along with Rep. Thomas Jackson discussing efforts to support Alabama farmers. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This episode tackles the political fight over public safety in Montgomery, with Mayor Steven Reed pushing back on what he describes as performative fearmongering and a proposed state “takeover” of city policing. Reed argues the rhetoric doesn’t match the data, says Montgomery has already been collaborating with other agencies, and calls for practical support—funding, recruitment help, cameras, and common-sense gun policy—rather than power plays. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Tafeni English-Relf joins to preview Affordable Alabama Advocacy Day and lays out the affordability pressures hitting residents—from utilities and childcare to housing, healthcare access, and the criminalization of unpaid garbage fees—framing the state budget as a moral document with real consequences. The hosts close with the “bonehead” segment aimed at Kash Patel and what they call the ongoing reality-show style of national politics bleeding into everything. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh and David cover a wide-ranging week in Alabama politics—mourning Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy, blasting a “chemtrails” bill as unserious policymaking, and venting about environmental rollbacks they say trade Alabama’s waterways and wildlife for corporate profit. SPLC attorney Micah West joins to discuss Fayette’s practice of prosecuting (and sometimes jailing) people over unpaid garbage bills, why SPLC says it’s unlawful/ unconstitutional, and what reforms could stop it statewide. The episode closes with Jeff Bezos as “bonehead,” focusing on the Washington Post’s gutting and what the decline of local journalism means for public oversight and accountability. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week on Alabama Politics This Week, we hit the culture-war noise and the power politics underneath it — from the right’s meltdown over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show to a fast-tracked Alabama bill that would change the Alabama Public Service Commission from elected to appointed, even as the PSC directly shapes what you pay in utilities. Then we’re joined by Tabitha Isner, Alabama Democratic Party vice chair and a candidate for Alabama Senate District 26, to talk turnout, disengaged voters, and what it takes to build a full statewide Democratic ticket. SPLC Chief Strategy Officer Seth Levi also joins to explain why reported edits at civil rights-related national park sites (including language tied to Medgar Evers’ murder) fit a broader push to whitewash racism and slavery from public history — and what people can do to push back. We wrap with Bonehead of the Week: Pam Bondi’s DOJ, repeated grand jury refusals, and the absurdity of calling it “treason” to remind service members not to follow illegal orders — plus a quick look at why that moment could boost Sen. Mark Kelly’s 2028 prospects. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🌐 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com🌐 X/Twitter: x.com/alathisweek🌐 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweek🌐 TikTok: tiktok.com/@alpoliticsthisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

The episode centers on the residency firestorm around Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s run for governor, with Josh and David arguing that state tax returns and related records are the simplest way to prove (or disprove) Alabama residency — and warning that voting and tax questions could create serious legal exposure if the fight goes to court. Guest AshLeigh Dunham, a candidate for Alabama Supreme Court, says she’s running to bring balance to a court she views as increasingly ideological, discussing constitutional rights, the IVF decision, protest-mask proposals, and book/library censorship battles. Rep. Neil Rafferty joins to outline Democrats’ affordability focus — healthcare, premiums, and high utility bills — and to assess whether GOP infighting creates openings. The show closes with Josh distinguishing John Wahl's residency challenge from Tuberville’s and a “Right Wing Bonehead” segment criticizing Secretary of State Wes Allen’s voter-fraud messaging and restrictive absentee voting rules. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🌐 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com🌐 X/Twitter: x.com/alathisweek🌐 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweek🌐 TikTok: tiktok.com/@alpoliticsthisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This episode opens with a discussion of alleged retaliation inside Alabama’s prison system, following reporter Beth Shelburne’s updates about key whistleblowers from The Alabama Solution documentary. The hosts debate the moral, practical, and financial failures of Alabama’s corrections approach, including solitary confinement concerns and broader prison “racket” incentives. Former Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks joins to explain why he’s running again, emphasizing consumer protection and the rollback of key enforcement functions like gasoline testing and fraud investigations. Sparks also highlights past accomplishments, including upgraded animal diagnostic labs across the state and rural development work such as expanding telemedicine. The episode closes with the hosts’ “bonehead” segment criticizing legislative efforts to politicize the AHSAA and warning that school voucher policy dynamics are bleeding into high school athletics. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🌐 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com🌐 X/Twitter: x.com/alathisweek🌐 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweek🌐 TikTok: tiktok.com/@alpoliticsthisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person dissect the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, examining the dangerous expansion of federal law enforcement powers and constitutional violations. They're joined by Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, who shares health updates, reveals the surprisingly productive working relationship between Democratic leadership and Governor Kay Ivey, and outlines the party's affordability-focused agenda for the 2026 legislative session. The conversation turns to election strategy as Daniels emphasizes the need for Democratic discipline and unity heading into what could be a pivotal election year. The episode concludes with Trump earning the "Right-Wing Bonehead of the Week" award for his absurd claim that white people have been treated poorly since the Civil Rights Act. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Hosts Josh Moon and David Person examine the Trump administration's controversial military intervention in Venezuela, questioning the true motives behind the operation and drawing parallels to failed foreign policy decisions in Iraq and Afghanistan. They discuss the lack of congressional oversight, the timing relative to the unsealed Epstein files, and the hypocrisy of Republicans who oppose foreign wars while supporting military action abroad. The episode features an interview with Philip Ensler, the only Democratic candidate officially running for Alabama lieutenant governor. Ensler discusses his decision to remain in Alabama after initially planning to return to New York, his background as a Teach for America educator, and his four key campaign priorities: healthcare expansion, public school funding, public safety, and economic opportunity. The hosts conclude with analysis of the 2026 election season, celebrating renewed Democratic energy and noting encouraging signs among Christian conservatives and moderate Republicans questioning their party's direction.

In this final episode of 2025, Josh and David sit down with former U.S. Senator Doug Jones to discuss his newly announced campaign for governor of Alabama. Jones opens up about the "electricity" of his campaign launch, his plans to break the supermajority in Montgomery, and why he believes Tommy Tuberville’s record as a "divider" makes him vulnerable in 2026. We also grill the candidate on the tough issues: Can he overcome the straight-ticket voting habits in a deep red state? What is the path to finally passing a lottery? And, perhaps most importantly, has he truly "cleared the air" with Joe Reed, Randy Kelley, and the Alabama Democratic Conference leadership? Later in the show, the hosts do a deep dive into the racial dynamics of the Alabama Democratic Party, the critical issue of voter turnout in the Black Belt. Finally, we crown our "Bonehead of the Year" — Donald Trump, for his classless comments regarding the passing of Rob Reiner. RESOURCES & SOCIALS 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSOR Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities. Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.