Direct Impact

State visits: Blinken in Kiev; Putin in Beijing

On this episode of Direct Impact, Rick Sanchez takes a look at two very different state visits occurring almost concurrently at different ends of the globe. First there was the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kiev, where he promised democracy would return to Ukraine (one day) and gave a bizarre rock and roll performance at a Kiev bar. He met a very different reception in Kiev than in China a few weeks ago, where officials hardly gave him the time of day. Meanwhile, just after his inauguration, Vladimir Putin is visiting Beijing to full pomp and ceremony. Correspondent Manila Chan joins Rick to talk about this, as well as the recent attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s life. Then guest KJ Noh, an East Asia expert, joins Rick to discuss the tightening relationship between Russia and China both economically and militarily.

Breaking: Prime minister of Slovakia Robert Fico shot

On this episode of Direct Impact, Rick Sanchez takes a look at breaking news out of Slovakia. The country’s prime minister Robert Fico has been shot by a 71-year old liberal activist. Fico has gained a name for himself recently challenging NATO and military support for the war in Ukraine, as well as the EU, and the World Economic Forum. We cover the developing story with commentary from correspondent Manila Chan and expert analysis from George Szamuely, Senior Research Fellow at the Global Policy Institute.

Congressional critiques: From Matt Gaetz to Marjorie Taylor Greene

On this episode of Direct Impact, Rick Sanchez is joined by correspondent Manila Chan to discuss contentious exchanges between Congressman Matt Gaetz and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, focusing on the casual attitude toward military actions and spending. Plus, we’ll dive into Ann Coulter’s resurgence in the news due to her controversial remarks, particularly about Indian American politician Vivek Ramaswamy. Then, lawyer and radio host Steve Gill joins the show to discuss endless US military involvement across the globe.

Russia begins new offensive while Ukraine hits civilians

On this episode of Direct Impact, Rick Sanchez is joined by correspondent Manila Chan to discuss new Russian successes opening up a new front in towards the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkov. Meanwhile, Ukraine has responded by bombing and killing at least nine civilians in the Russian city of Belgorod. And Marjorie Taylor Greene stands up to the Republicans and Democrats as Holocaust survivors speak out against what is happening in Gaza. Then, Tara Reade joins Rick Sanchez to discuss how she fled to Russia out of fear of Joe Biden’s Department of Justice.

Weekly roundup: President Biden insults US allies & The US Speaker of the House Johnson’s love for Israel

On this week’s roundup on Direct Impact, Rick Sanchez is joined by Manila Chan to talk about the week’s most controversial topics. Why did President Biden insult key US allies like India and Japan and lump them in with supposed US antagonists like China? And does US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson support Israel more than the United States? Then Sputnik Radio Host Wilmer Leon joins the program to talk about all of this and more.

The dismal state of great American cities

On this episode of Direct Impact, Rick Sanchez looks at the state of crime and filth in the American city, particularly the once-grand San Francisco. Correspondent Manila Chan joins Rick to discuss how the home of the Golden Gate Bridge has devolved into a cesspit of disease, homeless people, and crime to the point where stores are closing down and people are fleeing; a Congressman was even robbed. Then Rick and Manila discuss how US Christian fundamentalists are working to the detriment of some of the oldest Christian communities in the world, in Palestine, and throughout the rest of the Middle East through their support for Israel. Then Craig Jardula joins Rick to talk about all of this and more. Don’t miss it.