No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 07-05-26

No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 07-05-26

On today's episode, Fernando Mateo explores themes of public safety and judicial integrity, criticizing the current leadership’s handling of rising crime and the proposed closure of Riker’s Island. Through an interview with retired Warden Howard Robertson, the source emphasizes the importance of vocational training and mutual respect as tools for true rehabilitation over mass incarceration or systemic excuses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Howard Robertson | 07-05-26

Fernando Mateo hosts retired warden Howard Robertson to discuss the deepening crisis at Riker’s Island and the broader philosophy of rehabilitation over incarceration. Mateo opens the program by praising a Supreme Court decision regarding biological sex in sports, arguing that physical differences between men and women make trans-inclusive competition a matter of common sense and safety. The conversation then transitions to the duo's shared history at Riker’s Island, where they implemented vocational programs that provided inmates with trade skills and job placement to break the cycle of recidivism. Robertson critiques the current administration’s plan to close the facility, suggesting that spending billions on borough-based jails is a disingenuous fix that fails to address the underlying leadership failures and cultural issues within the Department of Correction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 06-28-26

Fernando reflects on his week filling in on Sid & Friends alongside John Catsimatidis, Jake Novak, Judge Richard Weinberg, and George Venizelos, while thanking the WABC team for keeping the energy alive until Sid Rosenberg’s return. Fernando then turns to New York politics, sounding off on Zohran Mamdani’s political rise, the socialist movement gaining ground, low voter turnout, and what he calls lazy New Yorkers allowing a small percentage of voters to decide the city’s future. Joined by JC Polanco, Fernando breaks down Democratic Party weakness, Republican Party failures in New York City, the need for better candidates, stronger messaging, voter ID, capitalism, small business, immigration, and why New York must fight back before socialism reshapes the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 06-21-26

Fernando Mateo delivers a scathing critique of a rival media personality, later identified as Curtis Sliwa, whom he labels the king of the haters and the losers. Mateo structures his program around several audio clips of his adversary to illustrate what he views as a pattern of destructive negativity and a lack of respect for hard work and success. He specifically defends high-profile figures like James Dolan, the horse carriage industry, and even global pop stars against his opponent’s verbal attacks, arguing that these critics possess the power of the mic but use it to intimidate rather than build. Through a lens of unapologetic capitalism, Mateo emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and job creation, contrasting his own identity as a builder with what he describes as the bitter ignorance of those who merely judge from the sidelines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 06-14-26

Fernando Mateo has a panel discussion regarding the tragic murder of Austin Metcalf, a white teenager stabbed by a black peer, Karmelo Anthony, during a track meet. Mateo and his diverse guests—representing black, white, and Hispanic perspectives—collectively argue that the case is a matter of right versus wrong rather than a racial conflict. They criticize the exploitation of race-baiting and the influence of violent rap culture, specifically condemning the defendant’s family for allegedly misappropriating donated funds while failing to take personal accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]