Welcome to A Numbers Game with Ryan Groduski

Labor Day and 9/11 Episodes

GOP Convention Overview

Low Ratings and NFL Competition

Trump's $5,000 Dividend Proposal

J.D. Vance's Flag Controversy

Rubio's Presidential Denial

Vance's Appeal and Political Stance

Ted Cruz's AI Stance

Brandon Gill's Breakout Speech

Convention Impact and Future Outlook

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Podcast Subscription Request

Ryan Girdusky breaks down the biggest moments from the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas and what they reveal about the future of the GOP. Ryan argues that Vance’s convention performance looked increasingly like an introduction to the party’s next leader, while Marco Rubio again indicated he has no plans to run for president in 2028.

But Ryan sees one potential major challenger: Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz is beginning to separate himself from Vance and Trump on one of the biggest emerging political issues—artificial intelligence regulation. Ryan explains why Cruz’s call for greater AI safeguards could become a defining issue in a future Republican presidential primary.

Plus, Ryan reacts to President Trump’s proposal to give American adults $5,000 if Republicans retain Congress, including the potential trillion-dollar price tag and inflation implications.

And who was the convention’s breakout star? Ryan makes the case for Rep. Brandon Gill, whose opening speech contrasted the Trump and Biden eras and generated one of the convention’s standout moments.

EMAIL RYAN

Ryan Girdusky breaks down the biggest moments from the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas and what they reveal about the future of the GOP. Ryan argues that Vance&rsquo;s convention performance looked increasingly like an introduction to the party&rsquo;s next leader, while Marco Rubio again indicated he has no plans to run for president in 2028.
But Ryan sees one potential major challenger: Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz is beginning to separate himself from Vance and Trump on one of the biggest emerging political issues&mdash;artificial intelligence regulation. Ryan explains why Cruz&rsquo;s call for greater AI safeguards could become a defining issue in a future Republican presidential primary.
Plus, Ryan reacts to President Trump&rsquo;s proposal to give American adults $5,000 if Republicans retain Congress, including the potential trillion-dollar price tag and inflation implications.
And who was the convention&rsquo;s breakout star? Ryan makes the case for Rep. Brandon Gill, whose opening speech contrasted the Trump and Biden eras and generated one of the convention&rsquo;s standout moments.
<a href="mailto:ryan@numbersgamepodcast.com">EMAIL RYAN</a>

Dive into the world of data with Ryan Girdusky, an acclaimed American political commentator and writer, on "It’s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky." In each episode, Ryan breaks down the most crucial data on politics, economics, and culture, providing you with the insights you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're a data enthusiast or just looking to understand the numbers behind the headlines, Ryan is your go-to source for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Listen to new episodes released every Monday and get the facts that matter - subscribe now and never miss an episode!

Join the conversation and follow Ryan for exclusive insights on X.com/RyanGirdusky and Instagram.com/Ryan.James.Girdusky. Listeners of the podcast also receive a free 30-day trial to Ryan’s National Populist Newsletter at natpopnewsletter.com.

Dive into the world of data with Ryan Girdusky, an acclaimed American political commentator and writer, on "It&rsquo;s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky." In each episode, Ryan breaks down the most crucial data on politics, economics, and culture, providing you with the insights you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're a data enthusiast or just looking to understand the numbers behind the headlines, Ryan is your go-to source for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Listen to new episodes released every Monday and get the facts that matter - subscribe now and never miss an episode!
Join the conversation and follow Ryan for exclusive insights on&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.x.com%2FRyanGirdusky&amp;data=05%7C02%7CPodcastPublishing%40iHeartMedia.com%7C59d5813ab3ff4e4cb1ad08dd29fec8dd%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638712896468767069%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=HU2Ye188oTwGBBdwtfa7Zzu7LGCKq6ZuysH2fQpiRPY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="0" data-ogsc="">X.com/RyanGirdusky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FRyan.James.Girdusky&amp;data=05%7C02%7CPodcastPublishing%40iHeartMedia.com%7C59d5813ab3ff4e4cb1ad08dd29fec8dd%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638712896468791578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Td6COXGc%2FuIN2NLjvrAj4emHh81IpBTGvLfPiAxXqoo%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="1" data-ogsc="">Instagram.com/Ryan.James.Girdusky</a>. Listeners of the podcast also receive a free 30-day trial to Ryan&rsquo;s National Populist Newsletter at natpopnewsletter.com.

It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Ryan Girdusky breaks down the biggest moments from the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas and what they reveal about the future of the GOP. Ryan argues that Vance’s convention performance looked increasingly like an introduction to the party’s next leader, while Marco Rubio again indicated he has no plans to run for president in 2028.

It's a Numbers Game: Is JD Vance already the Republican frontrunner for 2028—and is Ted Cruz positioning himself as the alternative?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a2d342bf-859b-4325-8427-b4c2015b74ee/transcript

Reflecting on 9/11's 25th Anniversary

A Personal Connection to 9/11

The Aftermath of 9/11 at School

Introducing Kim Phelan and Her Father's Story

Remembering Lieutenant Kenneth Fallon

The Fateful Morning of 9/11

Coping with Loss and Guilt

The Impact on Family and Community

Finding Ways to Honor and Remember

Following in Dad's Footsteps

A Family Tradition of Public Service

The Pressure of Following in Dad's Footsteps

Kenny's Journey to Becoming a Firefighter

The Impact of 9/11 on Family Life

A Lasting Legacy at the 9/11 Museum

Visiting Ground Zero: A Child's Perspective

Reflecting on the Importance of Sharing

Podcast Promotion and Call to Action

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Kim Phelan shares the deeply personal story of her father, Kenneth Phelan, a New York City firefighter who died responding to the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Kenneth wasn't originally supposed to work that day. He had taken time off months earlier to attend his daughter's high-school ring day and owed another firefighter a tour. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he went to work—made lunches for his four children, said goodbye to his family, and never came home.

Kim recounts what it was like being a high-school student in New York City as the Twin Towers were attacked, initially worrying about an aunt who worked at the World Trade Center before realizing her own father was among the first responders who had gone into the towers. According to the account her family received, Kenneth went into the building, came back out, and then went back inside to help others. His remains were never recovered.

She also opens up about the side of 9/11 that the public rarely sees: waiting for a father who would never come home, comforting a little brother asking when his dad would return, growing up without him, and watching the milestones he should have been there to experience.

Twenty-five years later, Kim wants people to remember that those killed on September 11 weren't simply names on a memorial. They were fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, friends, coworkers, firefighters, police officers, and ordinary Americans living ordinary lives.

For Kim, her father's legacy continues through the family he left behind—including children who followed the family's tradition of public service. And at the 9/11 Museum, another piece of Kenneth Phelan's story lives on through a special Mets jacket honoring the diehard New York sports fan.

Never forget.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Kim Phelan shares the deeply personal story of her father, Kenneth Phelan, a New York City firefighter who died responding to the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Kenneth wasn't originally supposed to work that day. He had taken time off months earlier to attend his daughter's high-school ring day and owed another firefighter a tour. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he went to work&mdash;made lunches for his four children, said goodbye to his family, and never came home.
Kim recounts what it was like being a high-school student in New York City as the Twin Towers were attacked, initially worrying about an aunt who worked at the World Trade Center before realizing her own father was among the first responders who had gone into the towers. According to the account her family received, Kenneth went into the building, came back out, and then went back inside to help others. His remains were never recovered.
She also opens up about the side of 9/11 that the public rarely sees: waiting for a father who would never come home, comforting a little brother asking when his dad would return, growing up without him, and watching the milestones he should have been there to experience.
Twenty-five years later, Kim wants people to remember that those killed on September 11 weren't simply names on a memorial. They were fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, friends, coworkers, firefighters, police officers, and ordinary Americans living ordinary lives.
For Kim, her father's legacy continues through the family he left behind&mdash;including children who followed the family's tradition of public service. And at the 9/11 Museum, another piece of Kenneth Phelan's story lives on through a special Mets jacket honoring the diehard New York sports fan.
Never forget.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Kim Phelan shares the deeply personal story of her father, Kenneth Phelan, a New York City firefighter who died responding to the World Trade Center on 9/11.

It's a Numbers Game: Her Dad Died a Hero on 9/11 — 25 Years Later, His Daughter Tells His Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7d440324-636b-4045-a646-b4c20034837b/transcript

Welcome to a Numbers Game with Ryan Grodowski

Setting the Stage for a Powerful Story

The Morning of September 11th

The Plane Hits and the Initial Response

Escaping the Tower

The Aftermath and Reunion

The Long Road to Processing

Remembering the Victims and Reflecting on the

Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

On September 11, 2001, Linda Martin went to work at the World Trade Center expecting an ordinary day. Instead, she found herself trapped high inside the North Tower after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building.

In this powerful firsthand account, Linda takes Ryan through the morning of 9/11—from feeling the building shift beneath her and seeing smoke fill her floor to learning that the stairwells appeared blocked. Port Authority employees Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz eventually helped clear an escape route, allowing Linda and her coworkers to begin the long journey down the tower. Linda says she would not be alive without them.

After making it out of the World Trade Center complex, Linda recalls seeing police officers and firefighters running, turning around and seeing the enormous cloud from the collapsing South Tower, and realizing she couldn't outrun it. She grabbed onto a fire truck and thought she was going to die.

Linda also describes the mysterious NYPD officer who found her in the darkness and debris, the emotional phone call that finally let her family know she was alive, and the trauma and survivor's guilt that followed in the months and years after September 11.

Twenty-five years later, Linda shares her story so a new generation can understand not only the horror of September 11, but also the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of the people who helped one another that day.

Never forget.

On September 11, 2001, Linda Martin went to work at the World Trade Center expecting an ordinary day. Instead, she found herself trapped high inside the North Tower after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building.
In this powerful firsthand account, Linda takes Ryan through the morning of 9/11&mdash;from feeling the building shift beneath her and seeing smoke fill her floor to learning that the stairwells appeared blocked. Port Authority employees Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz eventually helped clear an escape route, allowing Linda and her coworkers to begin the long journey down the tower. Linda says she would not be alive without them.
After making it out of the World Trade Center complex, Linda recalls seeing police officers and firefighters running, turning around and seeing the enormous cloud from the collapsing South Tower, and realizing she couldn't outrun it. She grabbed onto a fire truck and thought she was going to die.
Linda also describes the mysterious NYPD officer who found her in the darkness and debris, the emotional phone call that finally let her family know she was alive, and the trauma and survivor's guilt that followed in the months and years after September 11.
Twenty-five years later, Linda shares her story so a new generation can understand not only the horror of September 11, but also the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of the people who helped one another that day.
Never forget.

On September 11, 2001, Linda Martin went to work at the World Trade Center expecting an ordinary day. Instead, she found herself trapped high inside the North Tower after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building.

It's a Numbers Game: “I Thought I Was Going to Die”: A 9/11 Survivor Tells Her Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b623c33f-ab19-4244-b837-b4bf0148efe4/transcript

On this episode of It’s a Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky is joined by VoteHub Head of Data Science Zachary Donnini to break down the polling misses shaking up the 2026 election cycle.

Why did progressive and DSA-aligned candidates dramatically underperform expectations in Wisconsin and Michigan? Ryan and Zach examine the surge in primary turnout, the growing divide between highly educated urban progressives and white working-class voters, and whether pollsters are once again struggling to accurately measure the electorate.

They also dig into Black voter turnout, why Democrats are increasingly focused on electability, the limitations facing far-left candidates outside major cities, and what the latest numbers could mean for Republicans trying to hold the House and Senate in November.

Could a small polling error in states like Texas, Ohio, Iowa or Maine determine control of Congress? And are the warning signs from the Rust Belt pointing toward a much different 2026 midterm election than the national polls suggest?

Ryan and Zach break down the numbers—and what both parties should be watching as November approaches.

On this episode of It&rsquo;s a Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky is joined by <a href="https://votehub.com/">VoteHub</a> Head of Data Science Zachary Donnini to break down the polling misses shaking up the 2026 election cycle.
Why did progressive and DSA-aligned candidates dramatically underperform expectations in Wisconsin and Michigan? Ryan and Zach examine the surge in primary turnout, the growing divide between highly educated urban progressives and white working-class voters, and whether pollsters are once again struggling to accurately measure the electorate.
They also dig into Black voter turnout, why Democrats are increasingly focused on electability, the limitations facing far-left candidates outside major cities, and what the latest numbers could mean for Republicans trying to hold the House and Senate in November.
Could a small polling error in states like Texas, Ohio, Iowa or Maine determine control of Congress? And are the warning signs from the Rust Belt pointing toward a much different 2026 midterm election than the national polls suggest?
Ryan and Zach break down the numbers&mdash;and what both parties should be watching as November approaches.

On this episode of It’s a Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky is joined by VoteHub Head of Data Science Zachary Donnini to break down the polling misses shaking up the 2026 election cycle.  Why did progressive and DSA-aligned candidates dramatically underperform expectations in Wisconsin and Michigan?

It's a Numbers Game: The Polling Error That Could Decide the 2026 Midterms

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/31065c00-3289-41f4-b88a-b4bb00d52d07/transcript

It's a Numbers Game: Is JD Vance already the Republican frontrunner for 2028—and is Ted Cruz positioning himself as the alternative?

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