Getting it Right - Rick Wagner

When Institutions Stop Doing Their Job

Rick discusses Chicago Public Schools’ May Day controversy as part of a larger pattern of institutional drift. Public schools exist to educate children first — to teach reading, writing, math, history, civics, and independent thought. Civic engagement has a place, but when struggling schools blur the line between education and political mobilization, they risk losing the trust of parents and the public. The larger point is simple: institutions regain legitimacy by returning to competence, accountability, and their core mission.

Iran, Gas Prices, and America’s Forgotten Ambition

Rick breaks down the Iran conflict, why gas prices stay high despite U.S. oil production, and what America has lost since the Apollo era. He ties war, energy, and space exploration into a broader argument about national strength, technological ambition, and the real cost of decline.

The Terrain of Conflict: Iran and the Maritime Choke Points

This episode examines the strategic realities of conflict with Iran, emphasizing the limits of air power against a large, mountainous country with dispersed and well-hidden military assets. It explores the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, where even small mobile forces can threaten global trade, and considers the fragile calculations of Gulf allies caught between fear of Iran and fear of regional economic collapse. At its core, the discussion raises a larger question: what, exactly, would success look like, and is there any clear exit strategy

The Long War Mindset: From Crusades to Modern Conflict

This episode examines the deeper structure behind modern Middle Eastern conflict, moving beyond headlines to focus on the forces that actually drive behavior. It explores how theological frameworks—particularly within Iran’s Twelver Shi’a tradition—inform long-term strategy, risk tolerance, and concepts of victory. Drawing on the history of the Crusades, the discussion highlights enduring patterns of warfare, including asymmetry, ideological motivation, and the gap between Western and Middle Eastern strategic thinking. It also challenges the “lone wolf” narrative, arguing that many modern attacks reflect a broader logic rather than isolated acts. The result is a grounded look at continuity—how ancient belief systems still shape present-day conflict, and why modern institutions so often misread what they’re facing.

AI, Bias & the Family Feud Problem — How We Should Use Tech for Research

AI, State Power, and Political Drift Rick covers a wide range of issues, from the push to end daylight savings time to the growing role of artificial intelligence in research. He warns that AI can fall into a “Family Feud” problem—prioritizing consensus over truth. Rick also examines Colorado’s regulatory climate and why businesses are leaving for states like Texas and Florida. The episode closes with concerns over political pressure on sheriffs and a briefing on rising tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran