The Rick Smith Show

News & Politics

About

By working people. For working people. Welcome to The Rick Smith Show. Working Americans are tired of listening to think tank approved corporate news and commentary. They want a direct, honest approach to the issues that matter, so this is what The Rick Smith Show provides. No puppets. No focus groups. No talking points. Want more #RickShow? Go to https://www.thericksmithshow.com The Rick Smith Show streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch TV, and the show runs every night in prime time on Free Speech TV. Be sure to add the FSTV channel on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, on the FSTV iOS app, or find us in the regular channel lineup on DirecTV or Dish. Radio listeners – You can find us in most major markets, including New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, Los Angeles on KPFK 90.7 FM, Chicago on WCPT AM 820, Columbus on 98.3/92.7 FM, Minneapolis on AM950, and many others. Check your local listings. Call-in at 1-866-416-RICK (7425) to join the show. Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com

Episodes

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-11-2026

    Rick Smith talks with David Cooper from EPI’s EARN about economic impacts in the D.C. region and with Lisa Cutler of the Alliance for Retired Americans regarding shifting political sentiments among older voters.

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-8-2026

    Rick Smith discusses voting rights with Rebekah Caruthers of the Fair Elections Center and covers political corruption and immigration-related news with Will Bunch of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-7-2026

    Rick Smith talks with Natasha Murphy about a Patients’ Bill of Rights aimed at lowering healthcare costs. Scott Paul explains why banning Chinese EVs matters for domestic auto jobs and the industrial economy.

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-6-2026

    On The Rick Smith Show, Rick Smith talks with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo about the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act case. Later, Cynthia Phinney of the Maine AFL-CIO discusses the restoration of the Local 14 mural and May Day so…

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-5-2026

    On The Rick Smith Show, Rick Smith talks with Randy Bryce about his congressional campaign and May Day. Sarah Burris of Alternet discusses the attorney general's comments on the Comey case and the surrounding political events.

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-4-2026

    On The Rick Smith Show, Rick Smith speaks with congressional candidates Sam Forstag and Jeff Pixley. They discuss their campaigns, focusing on empowering working people and addressing economic issues through grassroots organizing.

  • The Rick Smith Show 5-1-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show features discussions with Mary Okin, PhD, about preserving New Deal art, and Brent Booker about Apprenticeship Week, Workers Memorial Day, and May Day.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-30-2026

    Rick Smith speaks with Michael Negron of the Center for American Progress about the impact of policies like tariffs on costs and stability. Additionally, Arielle Klagsbrun of PAYBAC discusses the taxation of billionaires to fund public res…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-29-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the AFL-CIO's Death on the Job report regarding workplace hazards and Workers Memorial Day with Rebecca L. Rhinedel. Additionally, Pat Garofalo explains the American Economic Liberties Project's efforts to regulate sur…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-28-2026

    Rick Smith interviews Donna Smith of Progressive Democrats of America on Democratic strategy for the November elections. Sarah Burris from Alternet also joins the program to discuss the correspondents' dinner shooting and recent political…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-24-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the federal budget conflict regarding ICE and Border Patrol funding with Bobby Kogan. Additionally, Alex Lawson addresses issues facing seniors, including Medicare scam calls and limited access to Social Security offic…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-23-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the Union Now campaign with AFT President Randi Weingarten and explores FISA Section 702 reauthorization and privacy concerns with Don Bell of the Constitution Project at POGO.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-22-2026

    Rick Smith interviews Democratic candidates Alani Bankhead, Justin Wagner, and a Pennsylvania congressional candidate. They discuss their campaigns, economic fairness for working families, and their efforts to challenge Republican represen…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-21-2026

    Rick Smith speaks with Sarah Burris and Matias Vernengo about the potential economic impact of a conflict with Iran on American workers, including concerns regarding inflation and supply chains.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-20-2026

    Rick Smith interviews congressional candidate Rich Ojeda regarding Iran and his campaign, and talks with NABTU president Sean McGarvey about an upcoming legislative conference and Donald Trump’s labor record.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-17-2026

    Rick Smith discusses Trump’s "no tax on tips" proposal with David Madland and explores the Union Now campaign with Steven Greenhouse to examine efforts to strengthen worker power.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-16-2026

    Rick Smith discusses a Truth Social post by Donald Trump with guests Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain and Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons. The conversation focuses on the intersection of right-wing rhetoric and religious teachings.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-15-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the growth of data centers and their impact on Virginia schools with Anthony Elmo of Good Jobs First. Additionally, labor reporter Michael Sainato joins the program to explain the objectives of the Unions Now campaign.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-14-2026

    Randy Bryce discusses pro-worker policies for Democrats, and Sarah Burris from Alternet reviews recent headlines involving the Trump administration, Melania Trump, and Jared Kushner.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-13-2026

    In this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick Smith discusses the impact of Trump's agenda and data theft with Alex Lawson of Social Security Works. Additionally, Lindsay Koshgarian of the National Priorities Project analyzes the amount of…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-10-2026

    Rick Smith discusses trade policy and tariffs with Lori Wallach of Rethink Trade. Alex N. Press from Jacobin joins to talk about Amazon labor organization, and the show examines New York's efforts to hold Amazon accountable for its deliver…

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-9-2026

    Marine Corps veteran Virginia Burger discusses the impact of political rhetoric on military personnel, while Ryan Mulholland analyzes how military spending may affect domestic manufacturing.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-8-2026

    Rick Smith discusses Trump's Iran policy with Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad and reviews the impact of Trump's policies on federal employees and unions with AFGE District 3 VP Phil Glover.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-7-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show, originally aired on April 7, 2026, provides information on how to access the program via Free Speech TV and various digital podcast platforms.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-6-2026

    The Rick Smith Show episode from April 6, 2026, is available for listening via podcast, local radio, or television broadcast on Free Speech TV. Information regarding how to access the show and its merchandise is provided.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-3-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the potential for expanded military conflict with Iran with Harrison Mann of Win Without War. Alex Lawson from Social Security Works also joins to discuss cuts to health care funding and the No Kings rally movement.

  • The Rick Smith Show 4-1-2026

    Rick Smith discusses a federal judge's rebuke of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding a union contract and talks with Emily de La Bruyère about China's perspective on the United States as a declining power.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-31-2026

    Rick Smith is joined by congressional candidate Randy Bryce to discuss political rallies and working-class representation. AlterNet's Sarah Burris also joins the show to provide an analysis of current events, including Iran policy and TSA…

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-30-2026

    Congressman Chris Deluzio discusses political and international issues, while AFT President Randi Weingarten joins the show to talk about public education and current political trends. The episode explores corporate influence and grassroot…

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-27-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the No Kings rallies with Human Rights Campaign's Brandon Wolf and examines the economic impacts of minimum wage policies with economist Ben Zipperer.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-26-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the presence of ICE in airports with columnist Will Bunch and talks about the upcoming AI Summit with Ed Wytkind of the AFL-CIO Tech Institute to explore labor's role in the future of technology and worker protections.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-24-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show provides information on how to access the daily TV broadcast on Free Speech TV and how to listen to the podcast version of the program.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-23-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show from March 23, 2026, provides information on how to access the program via Free Speech TV and the show's podcast platform.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-20-2026

    On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Allison McManus discusses the implications of a potential conflict with Iran, while Chuck Collins explains how wealth concentration contributes to the affordability crisis.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-19-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show, dated March 19, 2026, provides information on how to access the daily program via Free Speech TV and how to listen to archived podcast episodes.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-18-2026

    This episode features information on how to access the daily broadcast of The Rick Smith Show via television and radio platforms, as well as how to find podcasts, merchandise, and contact the show.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-17-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show provides information on how to watch the program on Free Speech TV and access the podcast version online. It also includes contact details for questions, advertising inquiries, and merchandise.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-16-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show, dated March 16, 2026, provides information on how to access the program via radio, website, and various TV platforms including Free Speech TV.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-12-2026

    On this episode, Allison McManus discusses the risks of a potential war in Iran, and Chuck Collins explains how extreme wealth concentration impacts the cost of living.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-11-2026

    Rick Smith hosts Jimmy Williams Jr. to discuss tensions with Iran and economic inequality, followed by Professor Matias Vernengo’s analysis of the economy, job losses, and the impact of AI.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-10-2026

    In this episode, Rick Smith discusses the Trump administration's agenda, Epstein files, and DHS Secretary Markwayne with Sarah Burris. Later, Congressional candidate Rich Ojeda joins to discuss his campaign and the impact of interventionis…

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-9-2026

    This episode of The Rick Smith Show provides information on how to access the daily program through various television platforms, radio, and podcast outlets. It also includes contact information for the show.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-6-2026

    Rick Smith discusses POGO's demand for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem with David Janovsky. Later, Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation reports on claims regarding mandatory religious services and theol…

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-5-2026

    The Rick Smith Show interviews union smokejumper Sam Forstag regarding his campaign for Montana's 1st Congressional District. They discuss his platform on housing, childcare, healthcare, and economic issues.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-4-2026

    Rick Smith discusses the risks of unauthorized Iran strikes with Iraq veteran John Kamin and former Representative Bob Ney. They address potential war consequences, U.S. foreign policy history, and the political implications for Congress.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-3-2026

    Rick Smith speaks with Harrison Mann about Trump's "Operation Epic Fury" airstrikes on Iran and related SOTU claims. Sarah Burris joins to discuss Hillary Clinton's Epstein deposition and resurfaced documents linking elites to the scandal.

  • The Rick Smith Show 3-2-2026

    On The Rick Smith Show, Rick speaks with Jody Calemine about labor's critique of Trump's economic policies and unionization efforts at Nevada's Sheri's Ranch with Anna Merlan, highlighting issues like stagnant wages and digital rights.

  • The Rick Smith Show 2-24-2026

    On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick Smith is joined by Alex Lawson to discuss The People’s State of the Union, a working-class response to Trump's SOTU. Later, Rick talks with Sarah Burris about Trump's recent actions and policies.

  • The Rick Smith Show 2-25-2026

    Rick Smith interviews Guardian labor journalist Michael Sainato about rising union membership and political action by workers. He also speaks with LPN James Grant about a nursing home worker campaign targeting Senator Dave McCormack.

  • The Rick Smith Show 2-23-2026

    Rick Smith interviews Nick Schwellenbach about DHS whistleblower mistreatment and retaliation. Sarah Christopherson discusses the Epstein files, highlighting how extreme wealth and power grant impunity from legal accountability for billion…