October 14, 2025: Historic Hostage Release: Ari Hoffman’s Emotional Take on Trump’s Middle East Triumph
- Timing and Personal Impact: Hoffman, away from the studio on a pre-planned day off, addresses listeners' requests for his take on this "historical day." He ties it to Indigenous Peoples Day (which he calls Columbus Day) and the irony of Middle East peace accords highlighting true indigeneity in Israel.
- Holiday Context and Emotional Reaction: During Sukkot celebrations—building huts, feasts, and ceremonies—news of the hostages' return interrupted festivities. Hoffman left early due to overwhelming emotions and covered it live for The Post Millennial, sharing clips on X
- The Deal's Details and Skepticism: 20 living hostages returned in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian terrorists (including rapists and murderers)—what Hoffman calls a "ransom," not an exchange. Hamas has already violated terms by withholding 28 bodies, claiming ignorance. Israel should reinstate the death penalty to deter future kidnappings, he argues.
- Unmet Conditions and Gaza Chaos: Israel's war ends only with full hostage return and Hamas's surrender/destruction—neither fully met. Palestinians are now infighting in Gaza's ruins, with clans vying for control post-Hamas failure.
- Trump's Masterstroke: The president landed in Israel for a heroes' welcome, addressed the Knesset with 105% approval, then negotiated in Egypt (snubbing Netanyahu due to Arab antisemitism). Trump's strategy: Bombing Iran's nuclear sites, decapitating threats like Hezbollah and Houthis, and pressuring Qatar/Turkey (Hamas harborers) via threats like bombing Doha.
- Roots of the Crisis: Blames decades of failed U.S. policy, especially Obama and Biden's funding of Iran and Palestinians, reversing Trump's cuts. October 7 aimed to derail Saudi Arabia's Abraham Accords entry—now possible again.
- Broader Implications: Arab states prefer allying with Israel over backing losers like Hamas. Expansion of Accords could end terror funding via trade (e.g., more kosher spots in Dubai than Seattle). Activists and the far left/right are silent; Democrats like Ilhan Omar have nothing to say. Predicts new narratives accusing Israel of "genocide" if fighting resumes, despite Trump's amnesty offer and low combatant-civilian ratios.
- Personal Stakes and Hope: With family in Israel and a son in IDF training, Hoffman says he'll "never be the same" post-October 6. Credits divine intervention in Trump's survival and deal. Urges Palestinians to choose life over death cult; Arab nations must enforce accountability or face U.S. wrath. Shelf life: Solve in Trump's term before isolationists or Democrats revert to failure.
Hoffman wraps with cautious optimism: "Thank you, President Trump for getting back the hostages... But now you have a different problem." He signs off wishing peace and Chag Sameach, returning to studio Thursday.Listen to the full audio statement below for Ari's unfiltered insights on this game-changing moment in history.
October 14th, 2025 The Morning Ride
The Morning Ride Returns after a restful Columbus Day! Phil speaks with guest Paula Lamas who has had the privilege of meeting and interviewing the Nobel Peace Prize winner who praised President Trump in her acceptance of the award as well as with Kris Johnson of the Association of Washington Business who highlights the current challenges facing Washington manufacturers. PLUS: How about those Mariners!, Hostages are finally released from Gaza and Governor Ferguson appoints another one of his friends to a major position in Washington state.
October 10th, 2025 The Morning Ride
The Morning Ride ushers in a sports filled weekend talking about unpermitted food vendors all around the Puget Sound and especially around the stadiums; a local restaurant owner joins the show to share how letting these vendors slide hurts customers and legal businesses alike. Phil also brings you the highlights of the Virginia Gubernatorial race - Spoiler, the Democrat does not want to answer any Jay Jones questions. PLUS: Sound Transit might be raising your property taxes, Patty Murray doesn't seem to know how government works, and Lars shares a shocking event poster from Portland ANTIFA.
October 9, 2025: Blessed be the Peacemakers
October 9th, 2025 The Morning Ride
Throwback Thursday on The Morning Ride - Phil talks to a Let's Go Washington signature gatherer who has been repeatedly harassed over the 2 initiatives headed towards making their way on the ballot, Audio of a debate taking place in the halls of congress over the government shutdown and more coverage of the ongoing issues with unpermitted food vendors. PLUS: Dolly Lives!, King County executive candidates seem to make good on Phil's prediction that the East side will be ripped off by Sound Transit yet again, and a former KVI voice returns home.
October 8th, 2025 The Morning Ride
The Morning Ride was at a Let's Go Washington press conference to hear the latest on the surge of politically motivated attacks on signature gatherers - Phil brings you the latest stories on that as well as talks to Attorney Jackson Maynard about the recent lawsuit filed against the states Department of Ecology regarding their lack of transparency on carbon emission stats. Phil also interviews State Rep. and State Senate candidate, Michelle Caldier. PLUS: Cal Raleigh hit a home run to a man who was probably more prepared than Cal even was, and the Democrats have no issue defending the violent messages sent by Virginia AG candidate Jay Jones.
October 7th, 2025 The Morning Ride
The saga in the Virginia AG race continues as more details emerge from past messages sent by Democrat candidate, Jay Jones. A lunatic breaks into the state capital, tips over everything in sight and sets flags ablaze. PLUS: Phil interviews a Republican state senate candidate from the 5th LD, and Phil is corrected by a listener on a 3 under 30 trivia question.
October 5, 2025: The Gaslighting of America
October 6th, 2025 The Morning Ride
The Morning Ride returns as the government shutdown spills over into a new week. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell fumbles big time in his latest debate with Katie Wilson, A Plus Sized Portland protester has to be hauled off on a flatbed cart after resisting arrest and exceptional bravery was shown in Tumwater on Saturday as a 16 year old girl spoke out against men in women's sports. PLUS Phil and Zach investigate the question of the century; would AI make a better mayoral candidate than Bruce Harrell or Katie Wilson?
October 3, 2025: Portland Finds Out