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The ZachRateliff Show

Faith. Family. Truth. For Texas and America.

I'm a Christian conservative who covers national, state, and local news with humor and opinion. National headlines, Texas politics, and the neighbors who still believe the local fight matters.

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Now playing across 250 episodes · Aug 21, 2026

The archive

Latest episodes

All 250 episodes
Interview

Aug 21, 2026 · 54 min

Steve Oglesby Returns: $40 Trillion Debt and Politicians Who Won't Listen

Join Zach Rateliff and Steve Oglesby in a bold and insightful discussion as they tackle the staggering $40 trillion national debt and its implications for American citizens. With a sharp critique of political accountability, they explore how elected officials are failing to listen and respond to the overwhelming financial burden placed on taxpayers. The episode dives deep into the mechanics of government spending, borrowing, and the long-term effects of living on borrowed time. Steve cites historical insights, grounding their argument in the wisdom of figures like Thomas Jefferson, who cautioned against crippling future generations with debt. Listen as they unveil the convoluted relationship between governmental fiscal policies and everyday life, emphasizing the urgency for political reform. Zach and Steve also touch on pressing social issues, from local activism to political integrity,

Faith

Aug 19, 2026 · 32 min

From Florida's GOP Primary to Democrat Socialists

Dive deep into the whirlwind of political developments from Florida's recent GOP primary, where the resilient Byron Donalds emerges as a key figure amid accusations of racism against the Republican Party. Explore the stark contrasts drawn between American freedoms and the ideologies promoted by socialist factions, as Senator Kaine's controversial remarks reignite debates about the source of our rights. Zach Rateliff passionately critiques the infiltration of foreign funding into American politics, highlighting Representative Anna Paulina Luna's revelation about the Chinese Communist Party's connection to Democrat Socialists. As immigration and welfare policies are scrutinized, Rateliff emphasizes the long-term implications of dependency on governmental aid and advocates for a society that prioritizes freedom and individual responsibility. The conversation spirals into the alarming storie

East Texas

Aug 17, 2026 · 1 hr 14 min

Tracy Jones on Little River County Judge Bonds and Water Concerns

Join Zach and Tracy Jones as they delve into the urgent community issues surrounding a proposed solar farm in Little River County, Arkansas. With a local perspective, Tracy articulates the complex concerns regarding the impact on the water supply, agricultural land, and the implications of corporate welfare. The conversation uncovers the historical context of Act 9 and how its mutation could affect local governance and tax revenue. Tracy's personal journey as a farmer and father adds a deeply human perspective to a situation fraught with potential risks, including water contamination and unsustainable future liabilities tied to solar panel maintenance. As they explore community mobilization efforts against the development, the discussion highlights the collective voice of concerned residents who seek to understand the broader repercussions of such projects. Tracy urges fellow citizens to

East Texas

Aug 14, 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

Real Life Landman

In this episode, Zach Rateliff sits down with Fuzzy Harmon, a seasoned precinct chair from Harrison County, uncovering the intricate dance between groundwater rights, land ownership, and political maneuvering in Texas. The duo explores the controversial implications of data centers on local water resources, peeling back the layers of local governance and tax abatements that seem to favor corporations over community welfare. Fuzzy shares insights from his four-decade experience in politics, tackling the alarming powers wielded by groundwater districts. What happens when local politicians bow to developers, offering tax breaks while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of their decisions? Unravel the web of political structures and regulations that could cost residents control over their own land and water. The discussion doesn't shy away from grassroots activism, as Fuzzy recounts inspiring c

East Texas

Aug 10, 2026 · 44 min

Nancy White Returns: Bess Battles Data Centers

Bowie County is at a crossroads, as Nancy White returns to discuss the pressing challenges posed by incoming data centers. During her testimony at the commissioner's court, she speaks candidly about the need for accountability and safety measures in a rapidly changing landscape, asserting that progress must never overshadow public welfare. As data centers multiply and the push for solar and wind energy intensifies, she emphasizes the alarming absence of fire safety oversight, highlighting the stakes for both residents and local infrastructure. The episode dives deep into the corporate interests at play, questioning the implications of tax abatements and the potential impact on community resources. White argues that citizens deserve transparency and assurance about their health and safety, especially considering the environmental complexities introduced by these facilities. The conversati

Interview

Aug 9, 2026 · 1 hr 27 min

Finding Common Ground: A Conversation with Sean Huffman

In this candid exchange, Sean Huffman lays out his vision for Texas State House District 1, emphasizing his commitment to open dialogue and moderate political discourse. As Huffman shares his journey from sales management to politics, he details the personal sacrifices involved in campaigning and the financial barriers that often deter potential candidates. He critiques hyper-partisanship, insisting that a conversation rooted in respect for diverse viewpoints is essential for progress. The episode dives into contentious topics like public education and school vouchers, where Huffman openly expresses his opposition to vouchers, advocating instead for the strength of public education—a sentiment echoed by teachers and parents alike. Rateliff and Huffman engage in a heartfelt exploration of community values and the pressing need for politicians who prioritize collaboration over party loyalt

Interview

Aug 5, 2026 · 53 min

George Returns: Unpacking the Democrat Party Platform on Immigration

In this episode, Zach and George dive deep into the shifting landscape of the Democrat Party's stance on immigration and the broader implications of leftist ideologies. With frank discussions about the party's perceived drift towards communism, they dissect how this shift transforms political discourse and moral decision-making, focusing on immigration policies that have stirred national debate. Zach reflects on recent election results, spotlighting voices like Congressman Keith Self who confront the chaos sparked by radical ideologies. The conversation confronts the uncomfortable realities facing conservative citizens as they navigate a system increasingly defined by pacifism and moral relativism. George emphasizes the historical context of political Islam and its mischaracterizations in current narratives, drawing parallels with Islamic history and the Crusades. As they unpack these co

Why this show exists

Faith. Family. Truth.

Faith

Jesus is Lord. Scripture, pastors, and the everyday work of living like it — without the plastic church-speak.

Family

A dad, a son, and a neighbor first. The culture fights over children, land, and the next generation. This show does not sit that out.

Truth

National headlines, Texas politics, and the stories Texarkana will not hear anywhere else — with humor and a spine.

Broadcast microphone in a recording studio

The host

Zach Rateliff

Three filters: he is a Christian, a dad, and a son. Everything on this show runs through that lens — even when the news does not. Born in Hope, Arkansas and raised in Texarkana, Zach covers the country from the pine woods of East Texas with a conservative voice, a sense of humor, and zero interest in being a yes-man.

Guests include pastors, precinct chairs, farmers, candidates, and neighbors fighting data centers, groundwater grabs, and the slow forgetting of what this country is for.

More about Zach

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