Firewall with Bradley Tusk

How did the Democratic party drift so far from the real interests of the poor and working class it historically championed? Legendary journalist Joe Klein joins Firewall to argue that the rot starts with his own generation — Baby Boomers — who indoctrinated two generations of Americans in ideals that have never worked in the real world. Bradley and Joe find surprising common ground on three big fixes.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

On the eve of a college trip with his son, Bradley reflects on the murky future that kids are facing and how education will have to be massively rethought. Plus, he thoroughly debunks the concept of the all-powerful Israel lobby, chastises the Mamdani administration for policies that will adversely affect quality of life, and contemplates how to manage the level of difficult news we let into our lives.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

One big reason that the Left has grown so powerful in the city, Bradley argues, is that the Partnership for New York — the group that should have been fighting for centrist, pro-business interests — never showed any inclination to play politics. That could be changing now that Steve Fulop, former three-term mayor of Jersey City, has taken over as the Partnership's CEO Fulop joins Firewall for a spirited debate on what it will take for business to punch its weight in political matters and reinvigorate the pro-growth agenda.Discussed on today's episode:What Steve Fulop Needs to do to Make the Partnership for New York City Relevant and Effective Again by Bradley Tusk, November 5, 2025This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

Progressives make life hard on the rest of us, Bradley argues, by claiming to champion the poorest Americans while supporting policies that reflect their own biases and selfishness. But his ultimate conclusion is that far-left behavior, for all its flaws, is fundamentally and recognizably human — driven by a mix of self-interest, genuine idealism and the universal desire to belong to something meaningful.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

Chris Coffey, CEO of Tusk Strategies and longtime political strategist, explains clever campaign maneuvers. He recounts how targeted ads on Truth Social and Rumble swung a Texas primary without mentioning climate. They also dig into New York City’s budget crunch, pension and workforce pressures, and the political tradeoffs Mayor Mamdani faces to deliver visible results.

A look at how a noisy, zero-sum minority gains power through social media, gerrymandering, and primaries. Comparisons between political campaigns and startup dynamics reveal similar pressures and charisma-driven outcomes. Debates over national service, Trump’s Middle East instincts, and major existential risks like nuclear war and AI take center stage. A case is made for why Los Angeles fits the ideal 'composite city' profile.

Andrew Lacy, founder and CEO of Prenuvo and former tech entrepreneur, built full-body MRI access to push healthcare toward prevention. He discusses how scans make risks visceral and prompt action. He outlines his 80/20 longevity habits and explains how AI and consumer-driven spending could democratize world-class diagnostics.

A tense tech standoff over a Pentagon contract and the brand calculus of taking a principled loss. Massive layoffs at Block as AI efficiency reshapes white‑collar work and the urgent search for new social safety nets. Legal and moral debates about social media addiction without clear liability. Political maneuvering in New York and a surprising take on the Mets pitching outlook.

Elliot Regenstein, author and early childhood policy expert, explains how state systems are advancing preschool and childcare. He discusses why early childhood is more adaptable than K-12, which states are leading the way, the workforce and quality-measure challenges, and the stakes if federal education structures change.

A call to rebuild institutions from the pragmatic middle, not purity or saviors. A look at how media has reinvented itself while higher education and religion serve managers over people. New tools like mobile voting and AI-driven civic campaigns get proposed as concrete levers. Practical wins, sacrifice by the privileged, and reframing politics beyond left-right are emphasized.