The Graham Platner Phenomenon

The Graham Platner Phenomenon

What explains the rise of Graham Platner? He's become one of the most controversial figures in Democratic politics. Supporters see him as a bold new voice. Critics point to a series of scandals that would have sunk many campaigns. In this special episode of Hit Pause, I hear directly from the people behind the Platner phenomenon. You'll hear from five Platner supporters about why they're backing him despite controversies involving sexting allegations, a Nazi tattoo controversy, and racist online comments that have fueled intense debate throughout the campaign. You'll also hear analysis from Maine journalist Josh Keefe, who has closely covered Platner's rise and the questions surrounding his candidacy. And he went to High School with him. What emerges is a portrait of a movement — and a candidate who may say as much about the future of the Democratic Party as he does about himself. Why are voters willing to forgive behavior they once condemned in other politicians? What does Platner's popularity reveal about where Democrats are headed? And could this unusual Senate race have implications far beyond Maine?

The New UFO Files: What UFOs, UAPs, and the Evidence Really Show | Michael Shermer

New military videos, government disclosures, and congressional hearings have reignited the debate over UFOs and UAPs. But what does the evidence actually show? In this episode, Star Price sits down with Skeptic magazine publisher and bestselling author Michael Shermer to examine some of the most talked-about UFO footage in recent years. Together, they analyze the videos frame by frame, discuss what investigators know (and don't know), and explore why these cases continue to capture the public imagination. Topics include: • The most sensational UFO/UAP videos and what they actually show • Why the new UFO files created such a firestorm • The origins and legacy of the Roswell Incident • Government secrecy, disclosure, and public trust • Why eyewitness testimony can be unreliable • The psychology of belief and mystery • Why people are drawn to explanations that may not be supported by evidence Hit Pause is a long-form interview podcast for people who are curious about the chaos and tired of the hysteria. Subscribe for new episodes featuring scientists, journalists, historians, authors, artists, and insiders helping us make sense of a rapidly changing world.

Is The Earth On Fire?

Climate scientist and activist Peter Kalmus has spent his career studying what's happening to our planet. His conclusion is alarming — and he has a very specific argument about why billionaires are making the climate crisis worse, and why we all need to be talking about it.

Republicans Surrender

Former Republican strategist Stuart Stevens helped elect George W. Bush twice. Now he says the party he built has surrendered, and he's done pulling punches. In this conversation, Stevens argues Trump didn't change the Republican Party, he revealed it. Why Republican senators are despicable in their own children's eyes. Why Marco Rubio is a broken man. Why JD Vance will run in 2028 with a Trump son as VP. And why Democrats have one simple message to deliver in 2026, if they don't screw it up.

Can He Be Stopped? Trump, Power, and the Fight to Save Journalism.

Veteran White House journalist and Salon columnist Brian Karem joins Star Price on Hit Pause to break down the Trump crisis — what it means for American democracy, the global order, and whether the 25th Amendment or impeachment are realistic paths forward. Then: the state of journalism in America, the collapse of mainstream media, and what it's going to take to save the free press.🎙️ Hit Pause with Star Price — your sanity check in an insane world.🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with journalists, experts, and insiders who know what's really going on.🌐 hitpausepod.com