Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner

France faces recurring waves of violent unrest fueled by political division, economic frustration, militant activism, and tensions over immigration and integration. As its political institutions struggle to respond, deeper questions emerge about national identity, social cohesion, and governmental stability.

Is France experiencing another chapter in its turbulent history, or is it revealing the fault lines threatening Western democracies across Europe?

Socialism is making a comeback in American politics—but are we repeating the mistakes of the past? From the economic upheavals of the 19th century to today's growing enthusiasm for democratic socialism, this episode explores why Americans repeatedly turn to government for economic solutions. We examine proposals like government-run grocery stores, rent control, and universal healthcare, questioning whether their promises of affordability and security come at a greater cost to free markets, economic prosperity, and individual liberty.

Civilizations rarely fall in a single moment. Their fate is shaped by the choices they make when confronted by crisis. From the resilience of Rome to the long struggle for survival in Constantinople, history reveals how leadership, adaptation, and the defense of enduring values can determine whether a civilization survives or collapses. What can these turning points teach us about the challenges facing our own society?

Your paycheck buys less, the American Dream costs more, free speech is increasingly negotiable, and artificial intelligence may be teaching the next generation how not to think.

From inflation and generational frustration to government censorship and AI in the classroom, we examine the hidden costs of modern progress.

Are we trading away our prosperity, our freedoms, and our ability to think for ourselves—all in the name of convenience?

From political messaging embedded in popular entertainment to social media algorithms that reward anger, something is changing in American culture.

In this episode of The Wagner Report/Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines the growing influence of ideology in entertainment, including shows like For All Mankind, and the increasingly volatile nature of everyday interactions. Why do minor disagreements so readily escalate into hostility? What happens when clicks, confrontation, and outrage become more valuable than reason and restraint?

A look at the cultural forces reshaping public behavior—and whether the unwritten rules that once helped hold a civil society together are beginning to unravel.

Rick Wagner examines the decline of local journalism, the rise of sensationalized media, and how social platforms can reward performance over substance. He also looks at weakening literacy and critical-thinking skills, the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare, and why technological strength and an informed public are increasingly important to national stability.

From Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to crime, education, and cultural conflict at home, this episode looks at what happens when the foundations of a society begin to weaken.

Rick Wagner examines personal responsibility, moral authority, family, and the lessons of history—and asks what holds a civilization together when those supports begin to disappear.

How do we judge responsibility—in a courtroom or on the world stage? Rick Wagner examines the Lindsay Clancy case, explaining the distinctions among murder, manslaughter, and criminal responsibility when severe mental illness is at issue. He then turns to Pete Hegseth’s leadership and the debate over military readiness, lethality, and social priorities. Russian provocations and Iran’s economic troubles round out a conservative assessment of how legal standards, institutional decisions, and national power shape events—and their consequences.

Rick Wagner examines the Texas Senate race, questioning recent polling and candidate viability before turning to broader concerns about debt, regulation, and America’s economic competitiveness. He also discusses the strategic importance of AI and robotics, rising tensions with Russia, Ukraine’s manpower challenges, and the growing threat posed by increasingly aligned U.S. adversaries.

Radio host Rick Wagner discusses the economic challenges facing Iran and Cuba, suggesting that these authoritarian regimes maintain control by suppressing their populations despite long-term sanctions. He explores China’s growing global influence, noting how its support for these nations serves to distract and stretch United States military resources. Shifting to domestic issues, Wagner examines the realities of inflation, explaining that while the rate of increase may slow, prices remain high and continue to burden families. He criticizes the Federal Reserve's limited tools and argues that rising labor costs and government regulations create significant obstacles for small businesses and restaurants. Additionally, the host addresses voter apathy in primary elections, asserting that low turnout allows extreme candidates to win in one-party urban areas. Ultimately, the text highlights the interconnectedness of global politics, local governance, and personal financial stability.