Real Talk with Marissa: Recent Episodes
PragerU
Why are so many Americans calling for the dismantling of the Department of Education? Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos gives PragerU CEO Marissa Streit some really good answers. She explains that while America’s school system has made little progress over the last 175 years, the teachers unions have amassed more power than any group in America. But parents are waking up and demanding better options for our kids.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
01:58 - How Betsy DeVos Became Secretary of Education
03:39 - Jeb Bush's Endorsement of Betsy
04:50 - The Fundamentals of American Education Haven't Changed in 150 Years
06:04 - The Education System's Push against Parents
07:30 - Teachers Unions Don't Want Outsiders in Charge of Education
08:03 - COVID Exposed the Failings of the Education System
09:46 - The Sordid History behind the Department of Education
11:43 - How Much Influence Do Teachers Unions Have on the Dept. of Education?
12:56 - Should the Department of Education Be Abolished?
14:20 - School Curriculum Is Basically Left-Wing Agenda
14:56 - Betsy Got Attacked for Bringing School Choice to Parents
19:40 - Why Is There Such a Push against Charter Schools?
23:14 - Competition Is the Key to Success
26:21 - Why Are American Students Falling Behind?
27:32 - How Do We Hold Schools Accountable?
32:39 - Recapturing the Knowledge of Our Nation's Founding
35:33 - Is Going to College Worth It?
41:53 - What America Can Learn from Switzerland
44:10 - How Title IX Was Weaponized against Our Kids
53:14 - Why Is a Teachers Union Boss Advising the Dept. of Homeland Security?
54:46 - Betsy's Thoughts on School Safety
01:04:37 - How Can Parents Choose the Best School?
01:07:50 - Final Thoughts & Advice for Parents
Why is a small country the size of New Jersey so admired and hated? What is it about Israel, a 75-year-old democracy nestled in the Middle East, shared by many religions and ethnicities, that continues to draw everyone’s attention? Michael Oren, the former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to share his vision for how Israel can survive and thrive despite its current challenges.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
00:48 - The Moment That Ignited Marissa's Courage
02:57 - Where Ambassador Michael Oren Gets His Conviction
08:06 - The Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations
09:45 - The Dangers of Nuclear Escalation in the Middle East
12:44 - The Threat of Guided Missiles
14:26 - The Story behind the Iron Dome
18:22 - Israel Is Not a Victim State
20:36 - Population Challenges in Israel
22:27 - Sovereignty and Lawlessness in Israel and the U.S.
27:06 - Diversity and Co-Existence in Israel
38:35 - The Perils of Cultural Illiteracy
42:36 - What's Driving Innovation in Israel?
46:58 - Is the Judicial Reform Conflict as Severe as the Media Suggest?
55:45 - Why Are Citizens Protesting Judicial Reform?
59:20 - The Biggest Lesson Michael Oren Learned about Israeli Politics
01:00:42 - Is China Israel's Blind Spot?
01:07:09 - Final Thoughts from Ambassador Michael Oren
PragerU co-founder Dennis Prager sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to set the record straight after his comments on a recent podcast were taken out of context. As a man who has dedicated his life to truth and goodness, Dennis clarifies his stance on porn and urges people not to judge his entire life’s work based on a 30-second soundbite. Dennis and Marissa spend this hour of Real Talk discussing the many issues plaguing our current society, including pornography, the sexualization of children, our failing education system, and how we can stay united and committed to truth in order to save America.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
00:41 - Dennis’s Thoughts on Interviews
02:23 - The Importance of Monotheism
06:06 - Is America Still the City upon a Hill?
10:01 - How Do We Remain Proud to Be American?
13:23 - Dennis’s Views on Pornography
23:43 - Porn’s Terrible Impact on Marriage
27:24 - Extending Grace to Yourself and Others
31:52 - The Danger of Taking Things Out of Context
34:29 - Marissa’s Questions for Dennis
40:24 - Is Dennis a Liberal?
41:00 - What’s the Most Misunderstood Thing about Dennis?
42:13 - Dennis’s Favorite Bible Story
43:03 - Does Dennis Believe in Divine Intervention?
45:13 - Thanks & Final Thoughts from Marissa and Dennis
We used to think Canada was a free country, but now many don’t recognize it. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit speaks with Viva Frei, a Canadian-born lawyer and podcaster, who documented the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa. He is sounding the alarm that Canada is sliding further into dictatorship with the help of the complicit leftist media.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
01:13 - Introducing Viva Frei
02:45 - Was Canada Ever Really a Free Country?
09:00 - Why Canada Is Less Free than America
11:45 - There Is No Right to Self-Defense in Canada
16:25 - The Reason behind the Canadian Freedom Convoy
19:00 - The Truth of What Happened in Ottawa
29:24 - Did the Freedom Convoy Change Anything?
32:00 - The Canadian Media Bows to the Government
37:51 - The Policies in Canada That Should Terrify Parents
42:00 - Canada Can Now Restrict Free Speech Online
45:19 - Why Do Canadians Keep Falling for the Same Manipulation?
49:13 - People Who Claim to Be the Most Tolerant Are Often Least Tolerant
58:58 - Final Thoughts from Viva
Investment firms that focus on ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—promise you can get rich and do good at the same time. But in reality, it has been a losing investment strategy that threatens the U.S. economy and people’s savings. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit speaks with former Carl’s Jr. and Hardee's CEO Andy Puzder who warns that ESG is one of the most dangerous things happening to America today. This video was made possible by a generous gift from The Peter & Judy Copses Foundation.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk 00:34 - Sounding the Alarm on ESG the First Time 03:23 - Andy’s Background 06:55 - How Andy Came to Run Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s 12:26 - Taking Carl’s Jr. from Bankruptcy to Billions 18:12 - Moving on from Carl’s Jr. to Public Speaking 19:10 - The Mistake That Cost Andy the Secretary of Labor Position 26:39 - Andy’s Plan to Jumpstart the U.S. Economy 29:07 - Why ESG Is Ruining Americans’ Investments 31:15 - What Is ESG? 40:46 - By Every Metric, ESG Is a Losing Investment Strategy 47:00 - Why Do Companies Alienate Half Their Customers? 50:45 - The World Economic Forum Is Communism in Disguise 57:00 - How Can Investors Fight Back against ESG? 01:00:00 - Why Aren’t More Conservative CEOs Speaking Out? 01:07:29 - How Do We Save America?
Why is crime in America on the rise? Are Americans becoming more violent or are bad criminal justice policies to blame? Rafael Mangual—a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute—has been researching criminal justice reform, decarceration, and depolicing over the last decade. He speaks with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to offer sobering insights and pragmatic solutions.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
00:29 - Why Is Crime on the Rise in America?
01:32 - Bill Maher on Criminal Justice Reform
06:12 - When Cops Are Demonized Only Bad People Become Cops
13:37 - Black and Latino Crime
21:44 - Does the Criminal Justice System Need a Decarceration Shift?
23:52 - Who Are Progressive Prosecutors and Why Are They Electing Democrats?
31:24 - Are We Sending Too Many People to Prison?
39:14 - Why Cashless Bail Leads to More Crime
47:26 - Are Criminal Parents Affecting Their Kids?
49:45 - A Culture of Violence Escalates Crime
56:14 - The Role of Social Media in Criminal Activity
01:03:46 - What Can Americans Do to See a Change?
Dr. Lisa Cassileth converted from keto to a plant-based diet after studying the health benefits of veganism. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit asks Dr. Cassileth about the advantages and challenges of a plant-based diet, as well as popular weight loss drugs. Make sure to watch previous episodes of Real Talk about nutrition featuring a food expert and a carnivore for additional perspectives on how we should be eating.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
02:26 - What Led Dr. Cassileth to Veganism?
05:20 - Do Vegans Live Longer?
10:59 - What Is a Healthy Vegan Diet?
12:28 - Should Kids Practice Veganism
18:02 - Vegan vs. Meat
20:34 - Are Vegans Deficient in Certain Nutrients?
22:32 - Vegan Diet Has a Positive Impact on Your Energy
24:38 - Vitamin D and Omega for Vegans
27:20 - Is Soy Milk Better for You than Whole Milk?
29:42 - Vegan Products That Have Seed Oils
32:49 - Which Vegan Products Are Bad for You?
37:21 - Beans (Dr. Lisa’s Favorite)
37:56 - Weight Loss on the New Drugs
44:03 - Does a Thyroid Drug Cause Thyroid Cancer?
48:37 - Are Antidepressants the Best Treatment for Depression?
52:58 - Doctors and the American Healthcare System
54:48 - How to Help Your Kids Get over Depression?
55:52 - Are More People Taking Antidepressants Due to Fear?
58:44 - Should You Medicate Your Hyperactive Child?
01:00:56 - Dr. Lisa Gives Her Verdict on Various Foods
01:01:33 - Vegan Parents Might Have to Compromise with Kids
01:04:42 - Protein Shakes for Kids
Celebrity trainer Vinnie Tortorich says that exercise is the worst way to lose weight. Vinnie beat Leukemia by going against the traditional nutritional narrative. He tells PragerU CEO Marissa Streit that counting calories, miracle drugs, and fat free foods are not the best way to a healthy life. Find out why Vinnie swears by the carnivore diet and which “healthy” foods he thinks are most harmful. Don't miss the next episode with Dr. Lisa Cassileth—a vegan.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
00:43 - Vinnie on Health, Nutrition, Fitness
06:57 - Fat Shaming
13:23 - Do Carbohydrates Cause Fat?
19:42 - The Problem of Sugar in Kids’ Food
21:41 - Is Sugar as Addictive as Cocaine?
26:11 - The Flawed Science of the Food Pyramid
33:00 - The Marketing behind Food Sells Lies
35:46 - Why Media Pushes Junk Food on Kids
40:21 - Confusing Foods for Kids
40:45 - Cereal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Seed Bread
42:12 - Is Salt Good for You?
42:47 -Which Fruits Should You Eat?
46:43 - Is beyond Meat a Good Alternative?
48:27 -Are Juices Just Sugar Water?
53:34 - Vitamins and Supplements
61:15 - What Is the Healthiest Drink Aside from Water?
62:50 - Is Whole Milk Healthier than Almond Milk?
64:40 - Which Protein Powders Are Best?
66:00 - Is Red Wine Healthy?
Can certain foods boost your brain power? Do you know what foods are best to eat and which to avoid? Max Lugavere has spent the last 10 years researching how food impacts our health. He speaks with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to dispel common myths and answer questions about nutrition. If you’re wondering why we’re being told Lucky Charms cereal is healthier than eggs, you won’t want to miss this talk.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
01:43 - Could Diet Contribute to Dementia?
05:34 - Alzheimer’s Disease: Is It Preventable?
14:51 - Are There “Good Foods” and “Bad Foods”?
18:25 - Are Butter and Eggs Healthy or Harmful?
24:34 - Real Milk vs. Plant-Based Milk
27:15 - What Is a Good Vegetable Balance?
30:48 - Are Seed Oils Really Bad for You?
37:51 - The Myth of Granola Bars and Other “Healthy” Meals
44:12 - You Probably Need to Eat More Protein
44:49 - Food and Access in America
47:36 - Do You Need to Buy Organic Food?
50:32 - Eat More Whole Foods
54:31 - The Fight over the Tufts University Food Compass
01:02:26 - The Strange Link between Mouthwash and Blood Pressure
01:08:50 - The Genius Life: How to Read Scientific Papers
01:10:50 - Healthy Lifestyle Advice
01:14:06 - The Verdict on Chocolate and Wine
Bernie Marcus is the American legend who co-founded The Home Depot and is one of America’s most generous philanthropists. For the past 10 years, Bernie has been a mentor to PragerU CEO Marissa Streit. During this conversation, Bernie shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by the current business climate.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
01:12 - The American Dream Is Alive and Well
07:06 - Growing Up in a Working Class Family
09:10 - Was Bernie Part of a Gang as a Kid?
11:28 - You Make the Best Out of the Worst
12:51 - Bernie’s Vision for Home Depot
16:45 - From Humble Beginnings to Major Growth
18:18 - “Ask Me, I’m an Owner”
19:09 - Life after Home Depot
19:26 - Surround Yourself with People Smarter than You
21:40 - 40 Years after Its Founding Home Depot’s Model Still Works
23:14 - Customer Service Makes the Difference
25:00 - Millions of People Have Benefitted from the Home Depot
26:41 - Failure Is Not Fatal
27:53 - If You Dwell You’re a Loser
29:28 - Are Young People Losing Pride in Their Work?
32:53 - Capitalism Is Not a Dirty Word
33:31 - Don’t Listen to Idiot Professors
34:48 - Bernie’s Best Advice to Young People
36:54 - Allow Adversity to Make You Stronger
37:15 - Bernie’s Philanthropic Efforts
46:50 - Thanks & Final Thoughts
The New York Times is often referred to as the “paper of record." The Times, however, has a history of publishing lies and misinformation on some of history's most important events, including the Holocaust, the Holodomor genocide, the existence of WMDs in Iraq, and most recently, COVID’s origins and the 1619 Project. Ashley Rindsberg, journalist and author of The Gray Lady Winked, sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss legacy media’s history of deception and the new emerging news media landscape.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
02:05 - The Media’s Reliability Crisis
06:05 - The Sulzberger Family’s 120-Year Control over the NY Times
08:00 - The NY Times’ Shameful Reporting about the Holocaust
12:00 - Whitewashing the Holodomor Genocide
17:05 - Lies about Nuclear Bombs over Japan
21:00 - WMDs in Iraq
24:05 - The NY Times’ Fake “Homicidal Veteran” Narrative
26:30 - Biased Coverage of Israel
34:10 - The 1619 Project
36:40 - Embracing Critical Race Theory
41:00 - The Business of the New York Times
43:45 - Sucking Up to China
45:50 - The “Lab Leak Conspiracy”
55:20 - Where Can You Get Honest News?
We’re told the Earth is experiencing a climate crisis and that manmade emissions are to blame. Environmentalists want us to stop using fossil fuels, but could we function in our world without them? Would the cost be too much to bear? Chris Wright is the CEO of Liberty Energy and has dedicated his career to finding the most efficient energy sources. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to have an honest conversation about climate change and fossil fuels.
Take the pledge to stop climate misinformation and get the facts with a free PDF e-book of scripts from our climate videos.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
01:00 - Can We Trust Fossil Fuel Execs about Climate?
04:15 - Everyone Wants a Healthy Climate
07:11 - Are Humans to Blame for Climate Change?
10:31 - Modern Agriculture Can't Exist without Fossil Fuels
12:50 - Why Do Policy Makers Push Wind and Solar?
16:32 - Is It Possible to Have Only EVs in California?
18:14 - Bad Energy Policies Have Increased European Energy Prices
21:13 - The Link between the Ukraine War and Energy Prices
24:27 - Why Is There So Much Pushback against Nuclear Energy?
27:30 - It's Not Climate Change Denial to Say Fossil Fuels Are Essential
29:30 - Why Aren't We Seeing More Energy Innovation?
34:21 - Big Tech Companies Are Censoring Climate Change Debate
39:00 - Search for Alternative Perspectives about Climate
40:19 - 3 Million People a Year Die Because They Don't Have Fossil Fuels
42:27 - The ESG Scam
50:54 - Are American Oil and Gas Companies Being Squashed?
53:44 - Is Investing in Oil and Gas a Smart Move?
56:43 - Energy Access Is Green
57:20 - Recommendations for Continued Reading
In this episode, PragerU CEO Marissa Streit finds herself on the other side of an interview with Jill Simonian of PragerU Kids. They discuss Marissa’s educational philosophy based on 20 years of experience, as well as the root of the problems in the American school system.
00:00 - Welcome to Real Talk
01:29 - The Major Flaw in U.S. Education
03:42 - Two Competing Theories of Education
06:12 - Child-Centered Education Approach Is Failing
08:29 - American Kids Need Cultural Literacy
12:30 - Knowledge-Based Education Allows for Better Learning
16:10 - Why Are the Classics Still Important?
19:00 - Should There Be a Standardized Curriculum?
22:30 - Hijacked Education Has Put the Nation at Risk
26:35 - What Can Parents Do to Regain Control in Education?
30:18 - Do Standards in Education Matter?
32:10 - Are We in the Middle of an Educational Revolution?
34:47 - Parents Have an Obligation to Support What Is Happening in Schools
America needs more entrepreneurs like Brad Anderson—the former CEO and co-founder of Best Buy. Against all odds, he took a failing business and made it a success by focusing on the customer. Over the last 10 years, he's been a personal mentor to PragerU CEO Marissa Streit. Listen in on this conversation about entrepreneurship, management philosophy, and the challenges of running a business.
In a recent Gallup poll, two out of the top ten issues troubling Americans are immigration and crime. Reihan Salam is the President of the Manhattan Institute—a think tank that provides research-based information and clarity on public policy. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss a sensible solution for America’s immigration debate.
Why are some notable black performers and athletes making antisemitic remarks? Is it because of the way black history is taught to them? Pastor Dumisani Washington is an expert on Jewish and black relations. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss this sentiment and whether it's a growing trend.
Comedian, host, and author Dave Rubin was a self-described “classical liberal” who famously “left the left” in 2017 when he realized the ideology is flawed and they are the intolerant ones. Since then, Dave has been on a mission to save American values. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss his journey, his conversations with Elon Musk inside Twitter HQ, and how he believes conservatives can win the culture war.Donate today to help keep PragerU podcasts and videos free! PragerU.com/donate
As much as parents want to protect their children from the dangers of social media, sexting, and pornography, in reality, it is not practical to keep them away from technology forever. So, what can parents do to have peace of mind while their children are online? Sean Clifford is the CEO of Canopy, an app that prevents dangerous online activities from reaching kids. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss tech predators and safety measures parents can take. Sign the Pledge to Protect Children’s Innocence: https://www.prageru.com/protect-childrens-innocence
Our school system and culture are allowing predators to sexualize children. Landon Starbuck is a former Hollywood star-turned-advocate who left the industry when she refused to conform. She is now empowering parents to fight back against the dangers of sexualized children’s entertainment and education. She sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss how parents can step up and take action. Learn more about the evils of early sexualization of children, speak out, and take the pledge to protect children’s innocence: https://www.prageru.com/protect-childrens-innocence
Chloe Cole was 12 years old when she decided she wanted to be a boy. At 13, she started puberty blockers and testosterone. Two years later, she had a double mastectomy. At 16, she regretted her decisions but must live with the irreversible choices she made as a child. Chloe sits with CEO Marissa Streit to discuss her perilous journey while cautioning parents and youths about the dangers of the trans movement for children.
As a rapper, author, actor, podcast host, and entrepreneur, Zuby really is a 21st century renaissance man. His pro-American viewpoints and outspoken personality make him a constant target for the woke mob. Zuby sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss free speech, raising boys to become strong men, race relations, the culture war inside the entertainment industry, and much more.
With social media, politics permeating medicine, and the push toward transgenderism in kids, has it ever been harder for parents to raise children? Dr Jessica Hochman hosts a weekly podcast, Ask Dr Jessica, available on all podcast platforms. On her podcast, she interviews experts covering a variety of pediatric topics with the goal to help give parents quality medical information. Find her on Instagram at @askdrjessica.She sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to share advice on how current and future parents can navigate the challenges that come with raising children in today’s society.
Ambassador Nikki Haley has had a remarkable career as the Governor of South Carolina and as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss her service to America, how she developed her strength growing up, and how the culture of victimhood robs people of their potential.
Did you know that many international institutions are claiming that King David—the Biblical king of Israel—is a myth? Ze’ev Orenstein is a Director at City of David Foundation in Jerusalem. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to give historical evidence that King David—along with other figures in the Bible—actually did exist. He also discusses who is behind the tremendous efforts to revise this history.
Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18-45. And the number of deaths is rising every day. Who is to blame and how can it be stopped? Adam Gordon is the Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California, which is at the epicenter of this deadly drug battle. He sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to explain why Fentanyl is so lethal, how it gets into our country, and what parents can do to protect their children.
Could the protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini be a tipping point for the Iranian people to affect real change in their country? Investigative journalist Lisa Daftari sits with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss Iran’s role in terror attacks around the world, the strange alliance between far-leftists and Islamist extremists, and what the West can do to support the Iranian people in their fight against their tyrannical government.
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien has spent much of his career at the center of American foreign policy, most recently serving as the National Security Advisor for President Donald Trump. There, he orchestrated the historic Abraham Accords, which have changed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East for the better. Now, he is sitting with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss his work as a hostage negotiator and foreign policy expert. His thoughts on the current challenges we're facing with Iran, China, and Russia are critical.
American entrepreneur and investor Joe Lonsdale has been immensely successful in the technology sector for nearly 20 years. Now he is starting a new university in Austin which aims to compete with the Ivy League, bring back civil discourse, and teach the value of Western Civilization. Joe sits down with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss why he left California, his mission to save American education, and why he only hires contrarian thinkers.
Kim Kiyosaki is co-founder and CEO of The Rich Dad Company and a spirited advocate of financial education. In this episode of Real Talk, Kim and PragerU CEO Marissa Streit discuss the challenges of running a multi-million dollar company and dispel the myth of the “glass ceiling” for women in business.
Violent crime is on the rise in cities across America, as heated debates continue over gun control and the role of police. Security expert Bryce Eddy from Covered 6, a vocational training school for military veterans, joins PragerU CEO Marissa Streit to discuss how to stay safe in these turbulent times. Don’t miss this Real Talk on guns, law enforcement, and why self-reliance is vital.
When an elite private school went woke, frustrated dad Jerome Eisenberg fought back by filing a lawsuit to hold the school accountable. He sits down with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit for a real talk about the regressive direction of education, finding the courage to disagree with the status quo, and how like-minded parents can help turn the tide.
In schools across America, lessons are being taught that put our kids in danger. It’s time for parents to take a hard look at what their kids are learning about in school. Jaco Booyens, renowned anti-sex trafficking activist, sits down with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit for an important conversation about the sexualization of children, its direct impact on sex crimes, and empowering parents to protect their children.