Outside the Box with Ben Cominos
News & Politics
About
I’ve found that a lot of the news coverage the mainstream media provides is designed to divide and separate people along political and personal beliefs. In my experience, when you actually get to know just about any person in this country, you’ll realize you agree with them on more than 80% of what you’re talking about. The purpose of this show is to bridge those gaps, and show that we have more in common than we know, or maybe even want to admit. I look forward to engaging in conversations with both guests and listeners on both sides of the aisle, as we try to find ways to unite and improve our community. Who knows… we might even laugh a little bit and have fun while we do it.
Episodes
- 05/11/26| Birth Rates Have Declined Steadily Since The Great Depression... Wanna Guess Why?
This episode of Outside the Box covers the gerrymandering efforts in Virginia, the significant decline in birth rates among Ben Cominos' generation, and his personal experience at the Wisconsin Labor Society.
- 05/08/26| I Interview The First Of Many Gubernatorial Candidates, Rep. Hong
Ben Cominos interviews a gubernatorial candidate and discusses the Trump administration's Mideast policies. The episode also touches on the Republican party's past concerns regarding gas prices.
- 05/07/26| Realty CEO Compares "Tax The Rich" Slogan To A Racial Slur
This episode of Outside the Box with Ben Cominos features a controversial statement from a Realty CEO who compares "Tax The Rich" to a racial slur. The discussion also covers the impact of affordability and the removal of flock cameras in…
- 05/06/26| "Project Freedumb" Ended Before It Started And I Think I Know Why
This episode covers the failed "Project Freedumb" and the history of airline deregulation. The discussion also includes a segment on gerrymandering with guest professors.
- 05/05/26| Gas Companies Are Clearly Gouging Us... AGAIN!!
This episode of Outside the Box covers alleged gouging by gas companies, a unique campaign approach by a Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate, and discusses strategies for implementing AI in classrooms.
- 05/04/26| An Unexpected Entrance Into The Race For Governor In Wisconsin
This episode covers Kirk Bangstad's announcement to run for Governor of Wisconsin, the increasing number of farm bankruptcies, and the significant impact of Spirit's closure.
- 05/01/26| Ok...These Gas Prices Are Getting Obscene
This episode covers the significant rise in gas prices, the concerning economic trend of national debt surpassing GDP for the first time since WWII, and commentary on Pete Hegseth's public actions.
- 04/30/26| All Defense Secretaries Are Bad, But Hegseth Is In A League Of His Own
This episode covers the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, highlights issues within the healthcare system, and discusses Pete Hegseth's testimony.
- 04/29/26| Melting Hypocritical MAGA Snowflakes For 2 Hours
This episode covers the perceived hypocrisy in politics, the discovery of a significant lithium deposit in Appalachia, and an investigation into the loss of 8600 manufacturing jobs.
- 04/28/26| Cancel Culture Strikes In The Fox Cities
This episode covers recent events concerning a teacher in Kaukauna, discusses the inaccurate portrayal of the economy, and explores the question of whether mineral mining should be pursued.
- 04/27/26| Why Does It Seem Like We're Constantly Getting WORSE At Discussing Political Violence
This episode covers the perceived decline in discussing political violence, personal experiences with the Democratic party in a congressional district, and an instance of solar panels averting economic collapse for a school district.
- 04/24/26| Trump's Economic Policies Are Setting Us Up For Pain, Both Now & In The Near Future
On Outside the Box, Ben Cominos discusses concerns regarding Trump's economic policies, potential inflationary pressures, and perceived corruption within the White House. The episode also touches on a lawsuit involving the SPLC.
- 04/23/26| Comrade Trump Strikes Again Spreading His Socialist Agenda
This episode covers the potential government takeover of Spirit Airlines, the hypocritical nature of gerrymandering, and explores if the Iran War has become a forever war.
- 04/22/26| Gerrymandering Will Be Necessary Until It's Banned
On Outside the Box, Ben Cominos discusses Virginia's gerrymandering and the extended ceasefire. He is joined by Professors to discuss the war.
- 04/21/26| 130,000,000 Americans Can't Read At A 6th Grade Level, What Does That Mean For Political Discourse?
This episode of Outside the Box discusses the impact of 130 million Americans lacking 6th-grade reading proficiency on political discourse. It also covers a price coordination case in California and the host's distrust of the Federal Reser…
- 04/20/26| War Time Activity & Insider Trading Shouldn't Be Going Hand-In-Hand
This episode covers surveillance pricing in various industries, the geopolitical events surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and analyzes whether billionaires relocate due to taxation.
- 04/17/26| Unpopular Legislation Goes 2 For 3 Thanks To Uniparty Coordination
This episode covers the latest on the Strait of Hormuz, the reactions of billionaires to proposed taxation, and the passage of unpopular legislation within the current Congress.
- 04/16/26| Prominent Republicans Tell The Pope To 'Shut Up and Dribble'
This episode covers the hypocrisy of religion in right-wing politics, proposed voting law changes by Democrats in Virginia, and the sentencing of an arsonist in California.
- 04/15/26| Did We Learn Nothing From The MeToo Movement?
This episode discusses the recent expulsion of two Congress members for serious misconduct, the challenges faced by Ranked Choice Voting in Wisconsin, and legislative actions by New York politicians. The conversation questions whether less…
- 04/14/26| DoorDash Grandma's Story Highlights Systemic Flaws In Our Economy
The episode covers the DoorDash PR stunt at the White House and a Minnesota accomplishment, while also exploring the reasons behind Trump's perceived backtracking on the Jesus picture.
- 04/13/26| Ceasefire Talks Collapse As The White House Sets Sights On The Pope
The episode discusses a special session in Wisconsin, the worsening situation in Iran, and the President's remarks regarding the Pope.
- 04/10/26| Breaking Down Melania's Mystery Press Conference
This episode analyzes Melania Trump's press conference, Wisconsin's opposition to data centers, and a first-year financial review of the Trump presidency.
- 04/09/26| That Ceasefire Lasted All Of 3 Hours, Here's Why It Ended
The episode discusses the reasons behind the collapse of a short-lived ceasefire deal, highlights a trend of increased numbers of people over 80 returning to work, and investigates a prominent case of insider trading within politics.
- 04/08/26| Election Aftermath & A 2 Week Ceasefire
The podcast episode covers the latest election results and a ceasefire agreement between Trump and Iran, noting its questionable outcome. It also mentions the involvement of 'the Professors'.
- 04/07/26| Election Day 2026 & A Tense Moment In The Conflict Overseas
The episode covers the final day of the 2026 election, Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran, and notes a difference in self-education between men and women.
- 04/06/26| President Promises War Crimes, Embraces Islam In Radical Tweet
This episode covers a controversial tweet by the President, his proposal for a 44% increase in defense spending, and the upcoming election day in Wisconsin.
- 04/03/26| But... How Will We Know The Next Time The Dow Hits 50,000?
This episode of Outside the Box with Ben Cominos touches on the Wisconsin Supreme Court debates, Pam Bondi leaving her role as AG, and an F15 being downed.
- 04/02/26| What Exactly Did We Watch Last Night?
This episode analyzes Donald Trump's recent speech, highlights the accomplishments of a centrist Liberal in Virginia, and discusses potential excitement surrounding space travel in 2026.
- 04/01/26| The Courts Haven't Been Trump's Friend This Week
This episode discusses recent legal challenges faced by Donald Trump, Oracle's announcement of 30,000 layoffs following a period of strong profits, and a controversy involving Kristi Noem's husband.
- 03/31/26| Public Dollars Shouldn't Go To Private Institutions, Period
This episode discusses Governor Evers's veto of a school funding program, a decline in manufacturing jobs since Liberation Day, and Donald Trump's potential withdrawal from the Hormuz situation.
- 03/30/26| No Kings Vol. 3: What Did We Learn
This episode covers the No Kings rally, political actions impacting a shutdown, and evolving economic perspectives on the financial impact since Covid.
- 03/27/26| I Need MAGA To Explain When Comedy Is Legal To Me, Because I'm Getting Confused
Ben Cominos talks about the end of a government shutdown, a GoFundMe initiative for TSA agents, and observes conservatives returning to cancel culture tactics.
- 03/26/26| Dispelling The Propaganda: Which Party Really Is The Party Of The Economy
This episode examines deficit spending under various presidencies since 1988, discusses overlooked US war crimes in Cuba, and explores the possibility of Post Office privatization before the 2028 election.
- 03/25/26| More Deep Red Districts Vote Blue In Florida, Continuing A Nation Wide Trend
The episode covers Florida special elections where traditionally Republican districts voted Democrat, continuing a national trend. Guests discuss Marquette polling data and the future of mail-in voting and NATO.
- 03/24/26| ICE Agents At Airports Aren't Really Helping... Or Doing Anything, For That Matter
This episode examines the reasons behind the continuing government shutdown. It questions the effectiveness and qualifications of ICE agents working at airports and notes Donald Trump's declaration of Democrats as 'the enemy'.
- 03/23/26| Trump & Iranian Media Have Conflicting Stories Concerning Peace Talks... Who Do You Trust?
Ben Cominos discusses ongoing peace negotiations with Iran, the deployment of ICE agents at airports, and the difficulty of distinguishing between real and AI-generated images of foreign leaders.
- 03/20/26| The Wisconsin GOP Exodus Could Foreshadow What's Coming In November
Ben Cominos discusses the implications of new leadership in the Wisconsin Legislature and the potential impact of the Wisconsin GOP exodus on upcoming elections. He also shares his views on the Defense Secretary.
- 03/19/26| 200 Billion MORE For Endless War?!? GTFOH
This episode covers the Pentagon's significant budget request, Jerome Powell's somber economic forecast, and the ongoing dissent among MAGA voters regarding the current administration.
- 03/18/26| So Are We Cool With A Foreign Entity Buying Our Elections Now?
This episode delves into the $57 million spent on Illinois primaries, analyzes coverage of Joe Kent's resignation, and explores Americans' preference for subsidizing AI-displaced workers over AI companies.
- 03/17/26| SAVE Act Deliberations Begin (And Hopefully End) Today
The episode discusses the challenges the SAVE Act poses to American voters, an announcement from a surprise candidate for Governor, and Donald Trump's commentary on foreign policy.
- 03/13/26| Violence Begets More Violence, As Violence Abroad Comes Home
This episode discusses recent violent attacks in Michigan and Virginia, analyzes the financial impact of war, and reviews political statements about threats from Iran.
- 03/12/26| Judges Are Partisan, Let's Stop Pretending Otherwise
This episode assesses the answers of WI Supreme Court candidates, explores the connection between DHS funding and the military industrial complex, and analyzes county dependence on federal funding according to voter preference.
- 03/11/26| While Both Parties Are Corrupt, Only One Of Them Is So Flagrant About It
On Outside the Box, Ben Cominos and his guests discuss Iran, alleged oil price manipulation by the Trump administration, and the absence of a significant third party candidate.
- 03/10/26| Trump Claims War Is "Very Complete", Hegseth Says Otherwise
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ziegler is retiring. Donald Trump held a press conference claiming the war is complete. Cory Booker engaged in a tax cut debate with the GOP.
- 03/09/26| Assessing The Cost Of Oil: Trump v Biden
This episode examines the cost of oil, connecting price changes to Trump's policies regarding Iran. It also discusses media coverage in 2026 and explores whether young people have become more conservative.
- 03/06/26| White House Posts Propaganda Aimed At Millennials... It Won't Work
This episode covers the White House's unsuccessful propaganda efforts aimed at millennials regarding a war. It also touches on JD Vance's diminished presence and the Democrats' inability to pass a war powers resolution.
- 03/05/26| Retired Colonel Shares Thoughts About The Perils Of Donald Trump's War Of Choice With Iran
This episode features insights from a retired colonel regarding a potential war with Iran, following a discussion on the consequences of such a conflict. Additionally, the episode covers a proposal by Wisconsin Democrats to implement a sta…
- 03/04/26| OK Wait, Were Military Bases Always Commanded By Religious Zealots Or Is This A New Thing
This episode covers concerns about 'armageddon' talk from individuals in positions of responsibility, lists nations bombed by the US in the last 26 years, and examines violent rhetoric used by a talk show host against a governor.
- 03/03/26| War With Iran: MAGA Backlash & Democratic Floundering
This episode covers the public reaction to a Middle East war, legislative efforts targeting corporate greed by two members of Congress, and the financial cost of war over two days.
- 03/02/26| The Peace President Has Bombed More Countries Than Any Other President This Millennium
This episode discusses the decision to bomb Iran, the perceived inadequate response from Democrats, and explores possible future implications. The conversation is featured on the podcast Outside the Box with Ben Cominos.