politics

Oct 15

Chris Salcedo

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Podcast, Politics No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a lively and revealing conversation with broadcaster and political commentator, the Liberty-Loving-Latino, Chris Salcedo, for an honest look at how media, politics, and personal values collide in today’s America.

From his early radio days to hosting on Newsmax and writing The Rise of the Liberty Loving Latino, Chris shares how showing up, staying curious, and standing firm in your beliefs can change the course of your life.

We’ll explore the lessons learned from legendary broadcasters, the changing perspectives among Latino voters, and how humor, culture, and truth all come together in today’s conversations.

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

What Chris learned chasing airtime and how those lessons shaped his career
The surprising mentors and classic radio legends who inspired his path
Why more Americans are questioning media bias and finding their voice online
Why Latino voters are flipping the script on American politics (and what both parties keep getting wrong).
Why authenticity, humor, and faith matter more than ever in public life
Behind-the-scenes revelations from Chris’s interview with President Trump
A fiery debate over who actually runs America, the ruling elite or everyday people?
Plus, personal stories, sharp humor, honest disagreements…and a challenge to every listener to rethink what freedom means now

New Book: “The Rise of the Liberty-Loving Latino: A New American Revolution” GET IT HERE.

Quotations:

“If you would just give up your ideas of freedom, then everybody would be happy. And it’s never worked out in human history because there’s always an elite few that ends up being happy and the masses end up being miserable.” ~ Chris Salcedo

Bio:

Chris Salcedo is a veteran television and radio broadcaster, author, political analyst and podcaster who is also a proud Latino Conservative. He is the Executive Director of the Conservative Hispanic Society.

Believe it or not, Chris began his career as a weather reporter for the local news station Fox 6 in San Diego, and when this weatherman did a hard-hitting story on Social Security, everyone knew he wouldn’t be in front of the weather maps for long!

Chris would go on to become a TV news anchor and reporter in Dallas / Fort Worth, the 5th largest TV market in the nation at CBS11/TXA 21. From there, Chris moved to Washington D.C. as an anchor for America’s Radio news Network.

Today you can hear Chris hosting his daily radio show on AM 700 KSEV in Houston, the sixth largest radio market in the country, and later in the day you can see Chris on his daily TV show across the country and beyond, on Newsmax TV from 4 – 5 pm / ET. And yes, Chris also produces The Salcedo Storm Podcast for your on-demand listening pleasure.

On any of these platforms, you will find Chris countering the media-driven, false narrative that the left would have you believing — that all Latinos think alike and have the same left-wing values. Chris promotes the fact that there is diversity of thought in the Latino community and emphasizes how the debate in the Latino community parallels overall American debate.

As Chris would say, “I am your Liberty Loving Latino. Do not confuse me with loudmouthed leftist Latinos; I actually love my country.”

Chris wants Americans to re-establish the proper relationship between government and citizen: A society’s worth isn’t measured by how much power is seized by its government but rather, how much power is reserved for its people.

Chris is a graduate of San Diego State University, and lives in the free state of Texas with his family.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://chrissalcedo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrissalcedoshow/

X: https://x.com/CSalcedoShow

Apr 23

Love34

Stanley M. Brand

By Chrissy Bernal Leadership, Podcast, Politics, Sports No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re sitting down with one of the most respected legal minds in the country—Stanley M. Brand. Stan is the former General Counsel to Speaker Tip O’Neill and has tackled some of the highest-profile political and public corruption cases, representing figures like George Stephanopoulos, Tony Coelho, and Dan Rostenkowski. Beyond the courtroom, he spent over 30 years as Vice President of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, shaping the future of America’s favorite pastime. Now, as a Distinguished Fellow at Penn State Dickinson Law, he’s sharing all his knowledge with the next generation of lawyers. Tune in now for a conversation full of stories, wisdom, and a few surprises along the way!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter service!)

License #: 679261

In this episode:

Defending the Powerful: Go behind the scenes of high-profile political trials and hear how Stan kept his cool under the weight of media scrutiny.
From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Why did one of Washington’s sharpest legal minds trade trials for teaching? Stan shares how he’s shaping the next generation of lawyers with hands-on, experience-driven learning.
FBI, DOJ & The Trust Gap: Stan offers bold insights on government overreach and why many Americans are skeptical of federal investigations today. Think you know how the system works? Think again.
Baseball Meets the Law: 30+ years as VP of Minor League Baseball means Stan has stories—from antitrust showdowns to how economic shifts are reshaping the game.
Old-School Wisdom Meets Today’s Chaos: What Tip O’Neill taught him about bipartisan leadership—and why that kind of political wisdom is sorely missing in today’s climate.
A Real-Life Perry Mason Moment: You’ll love the jaw-dropping story where Stan turns a trial on its head—live in court—with a single question.

Quotations:

“Law school for me was kind of a grind. I wasn’t particularly turned on by law school. I found it was too abstract and theoretical. But when I got into the real world and I had actual clients and issues to research and litigate over, I was turned on. And that’s where I really, that’s really where I really was able to launch myself into the legal profession.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“The only thing I knew about a lawyer was watching Perry Mason. And that didn’t really appeal to me. It wasn’t until I began to work in Washington as a young legislative aide to Tip O’Neill that I realized that the law degree was an avenue to a broader array of opportunities.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“Don’t go to law school just because you have nothing else to do. Go to law school because you want to broaden your horizons. You have a passion for the law or you see it as some way that it will enhance what you’re interested in doing in life.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“It’s harder to represent high-profile public people because they’re surrounded with posse’s, political consultants, media experts, and sometimes the legal advice is completely contrary to the political advice. And so there have been times where I’ve said to clients, look, you need to make a choice.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“People think that the Constitution was, you know, like the Ten Commandments, divinely created and unanimously approved by the Constitutional Convention. If you read the ratification debates or if you read Hamilton, these people were at each other’s throats. They each believed their theory of government should prevail and that the other person’s theory was anathema.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

Bio:

Stanley M. Brand graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1970 and earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law School in 1974. From 1976 to 1983, Stan served as general counsel to the US House of Representatives under Speaker Thomas P. “ Tip’ O’Neill, Jr., and was the House’s chief legal officer responsible for representing the House, its members, officers, and employees in connection with legal procedures and litigation arising from the conduct of their official activities. Since leaving the House of Representatives and founding a Washington, D.C.-based law firm in 1983, Stan has had a succession of high-profile political and public corruption cases and clients, including former White House aide George Stephanopoulos in the Whitewater investigation, former Congressman and Gore 2000 campaign manager Tony Coelho, former House Majority Whip Bill Gray, and Congressmen Dan Rostenkowski and Joe McDade. Since 1992, Stan also has served as vice president of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the governing body of minor league baseball. In that capacity, he was responsible for representing minor league baseball during congressional consideration of baseball’s antitrust exemption and is responsible for minor league baseball’s government relations at the state and local level. He has testified, written, and lectured extensively on antitrust, labor, and contract law issues affecting baseball. In 2005, Stan represented Major League Baseball in connection with the congressional investigation into MLB’s steroid policies. Stan was featured in Washingtonian magazine’s 2002 survey of the 75 best lawyers in Washington and has appeared widely on network, public, and cable television, including ABC News, ABC’s Nightline, NBC News, CBS News, Fox News, NPR’s All Things Considered, CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight, MSNBC’s Hardball, John McLaughlin’s One on One, and ESPN’s Sports Center.

Guest Contact Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-brand-3293501/

Dec 18

Love15

Michael S. Gutter

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Community, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, get ready for a fiery and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Jewish historian and author Michael S. Gutter to dive into his powerful book, Never Again Still Means Never Again. Tackling racism, anti-Semitism, and the societal complacency that allows hate to persist, Mike brings his bold, unapologetic voice to the conversation, delivering a message filled with passion, insight, and hope for a brighter future.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter service!)

In this Episode:

Antisemitism in Modern Society: How it manifests today and why we need to address it head-on.
Lessons from History: What Hitler’s rise to power teaches us about the dangers of ignorance and indifference.
Debunking Nazi Myths: Revealing hidden truths and dispelling misconceptions about Nazi Germany.
The Evolution of Political Dialogue: How shifting political landscapes affect Jewish representation and broader societal dynamics.
Righteous Anger & Humor: How to balance passion and levity when addressing difficult topics.
Dismantling Hate: Why ignorance persists despite access to information—and how we can effectively counter it.
Jewish Diplomacy & Rising Anti-Semitism: Are traditional strategies enough to combat today’s challenges?

Quotations:

“The media portrayed it one way. And I think that’s one of the things about the election, whether you like it or not.” ~ Michael S. Gutter

“If somebody wants my opinion, I’ll give it to them. If they feel there’s something incorrect in my opinion, I’m gonna look up your research.” ~ Michael S. Gutter

“Democrats have been so dumb and they’ve been so elitist that they forgot who runs the country; it’s always the middle class, it runs this country, and if you could somehow attach to them and they believe in you.” ~ Michael S. Gutter

“To kill somebody, you know, it probably isn’t easy, but you do it if you’re protecting somebody.” ~ Michael S. Gutter

“One of the worst ways you could possibly die is starvation. Like from the time you stop eating your last bite of whatever until death.” ~ Michael S. Gutter

“I’ve always said to people when they vote for president because, you know, everybody, when these presidents are in debates, they’re asked 100 questions and they have 100 answers. Okay. They’re not right on our 100, not even close.” ~ Michael S. Gutter

Bio:

Michael S. Gutter is a Jewish historian and antisemitism expert committed to dismantling hate groups and promoting justice through truth and education. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he grew up in a loving family with four sisters and found his community welcoming and respectful.

Mike’s life has been marked by diverse ventures—from co-founding one of the largest recycling companies in the U.S. to acquiring a craft soda line. His passion for writing is fueled by his love of non-fiction and a drive to confront antisemitism, inspired by both personal experiences and his struggles with OCD.

Now based in Houston, Texas, Mike continues to write and engage in creative pursuits, including a Broadway musical, a screenplay, and a sitcom. His upcoming book will explore the past, present, and future of American Jewry, aiming to inspire action and understanding.

Through meticulous research and heartfelt insight, Mike remains dedicated to addressing critical issues like racism and homophobia, hoping to empower readers to join him in spreading awareness and advocating for change.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://neveragainmeans.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/p/Mike-Gutter-100006726197993/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/neveragainmeans/

Oct 30

Love12

Elliot Sands

By Chrissy Bernal Community, Faith, Podcast, Politics No Comments

Are you feeling the weight of political tensions? You’re not alone!

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Elliot Sands, Executive Director of Live Faith First and host of the Live Faith First podcast. We unravel the emotional divide that’s gripping America during election seasons and explore how it impacts personal relationships—even within families.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

In this Episode:

Navigating the Election Cycle
Understanding Political Polarization
The Impact of Loneliness on Politics
Questioning Our Political Affiliations
The Importance of Love, Respect, and Kindness
Finding Common Ground in Divisive Times
The Power of Positive Thinking
Emotional Health During Elections
The Importance of Gratitude, Resilience, and Perspective
Navigating Contentious Issues
Conversations Beyond Winning and Losing
Faith and Trust in Leadership
The Future of Political Discourse

Quotations:

“That’s been part of who we are. We mock the other side. What’s weird now, though, and what’s different now is that we are as Americans; we are emotionally more divided than ever.” ~ Elliot Sands

“The irony of it is that both sides see the other side equally evil.” ~ Elliot Sands

“How do we humanize people on the other side is a, is a really big deal. and just realizing that for the most part, we’re all just trying to get home every day, and have a little bit of peace. get up the next morning, make sure our kids make it to school, and like just survive.” ~ Elliot Sands

“Write down five good things or think of five good things that the other side is doing well. Like, and what that starts to do is it actually starts to bring this kind of realistic.” ~ Elliot Sands

“Every side is getting a little bit, right? Every side is getting a little bit wrong. And so realizing that should humble us a little bit, should make us go, okay, let me not get so riled up because maybe my, maybe my side’s wrong there and that’s okay. That’s okay. Because we know that. not one side is gonna get it perfectly right.” ~ Elliot Sands

“We’ve gotten to this place where we define people by their political affiliation.” ~ Elliot Sands

“Our loneliness plays into this political polarization, our tribalizing around our political parties.” ~ Elliot Sands

“For every other divide in our society, whether it’s ethnic or socioeconomic divides, we make so many assumptions about people we don’t know because we don’t know them. And if we took a moment to talk to somebody from whatever other side it is for you, you might be surprised about how much you have in common, there will be differences, but there will also be a commonality. And when we bridge those gaps and find that commonality, now all of a sudden the gap that we thought we had because of your political affiliation or your ethnicity or your socioeconomic whatever it is, it fades away.” ~ Elliot Sands

“My core definition is not my political affiliation. That is not who I am.” ~ Elliot Sands

“In this election season, we must do better.” ~ Elliot Sands

“No matter a person’s political opinions, no matter their affiliations, their background, whatever it is, we need to treat one another with love, respect, and kindness. Everybody deserves that. Whether or not you agree with them or whether or not you vehemently disagree with them, we still need to treat people with love, respect, and kindness.” ~ Elliot Sands

“Commonality is such an important part of how we navigate these conversations because we have to look for it. It’s there. It’s there. And when we find it, we got to call it out.” ~ Elliot Sands

“So these elections aren’t so emotional, again, not that we agree on everything now, because that will never happen. But that it’s not driven by these negative, contentious, contemptuous emotions that we have towards one.” ~ Elliot Sands

Bio:

Elliot Sands is a dynamic leader with diverse experiences across multiple sectors. He is the Executive Director at Live Faith First, where he takes on the challenge of addressing division in society head-on, refusing to choose the easy path. As COO of The SHP Foundation, Elliot supports churches and homeless initiatives, meeting incredible people along the way. He was also a co-founder of CirrusMD, one of the fastest-growing telehealth companies in the nation, connecting thousands of patients to live physicians within 60 seconds—no bots, no AI, just real doctors.

With roles ranging from Executive Pastor to School Principal, Elliot’s leadership has touched lives in profound ways. His career began in sales and customer service, with early lessons learned during his time as a Sales Rep at FCPA and as a Customer Service Rep at PG&E. Elliot’s education includes a Masters in Divinity from Western Seminary, where he grew immensely, and an MBA from San Jose State University, where he formed lifelong friendships.