The Unknown Podcast – Episode 32

In Episode 32 of The Unknown Podcast, journalists Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe dissect the explosive leak of Trump administration war plans on a Signal group chat, while also confronting Jeremy Hales' increasingly bizarre legal antics and unraveling more YouTube defamation drama.

The show opens with the biggest story of the week: a leaked Signal call that included Trump’s inner circle discussing military strikes. Volpe blasts the episode as “a disaster,” noting a CIA officer was exposed and classified targeting times were disclosed. “You don’t use Signal for classified intel—that’s what SCIFs are for,” Volpe says. Luthmann disagrees. He defends the incident as a strategic “controlled leak,” arguing, “Trump played 4D chess, spotlighting the Suez Canal’s global importance and justifying action.” Luthmann also claims the leak turned Democrats against Signal, helping Trump eliminate it as a secure channel.

Next, the hosts debate the use of the Alien Enemies Act, triggered after Trump deported MS-13 gang members to El Salvador without a court hearing. Volpe argues the law requires a declared war and due process. Luthmann disagrees, citing presidential Article II powers. “It’s a political question, not a legal one,” Luthmann says. Volpe insists the judge ruling against Trump was within his rights and shouldn't be impeached: “He’s doing his job.”

In their recurring “Elon Files” segment, the duo discuss Musk’s $13.2 million contribution to a hot-button Wisconsin Supreme Court race, drawing comparisons to George Soros. Volpe says Musk is trying to be a kingmaker at every level. Luthmann agrees, calling him “a better political manager than Soros.”

The episode then takes a turn into the bizarre with their “What the Hails” segment. Volpe and Luthmann analyze disturbing video footage of Jeremy Hales verbally attacking his girlfriend’s sister over abuse allegations. Hales vows to sue her for defamation, claiming “family means nothing.” Volpe and Luthmann express real concern for Hales’ girlfriend “George,” who looks visibly distressed on the livestream. “She looks like a hostage,” Luthmann says. Volpe agrees: “This is verbal assault.”

The two also expose how Hales repeatedly sues anyone who criticizes him and question why his Florida lawyer, Randall Shochet, is appearing pro hac vice in Ohio instead of hiring local counsel. Luthmann suggests it’s easier to “co-opt” a known sleaze. They call Hales “Sue Happy” and say his girlfriend George may be subpoenaed as a material witness.

They also dive into Hales supporter “Shara,” who started a pro-Hales YouTube channel. Volpe shares private messages revealing her unwillingness to disclose connections to Hales and claims of intimidation. Luthmann jokes, “She’s either Jeremy Hales in a wig or in too deep.”

Another Hales ally, “Mary Martini,” allegedly a retiree with a husband named Chester, sends long, folksy messages offering research help. Volpe suspects it’s fake: “This is an astroturf operation.” Luthmann adds, “Jeremy’s behind this—no one else would care this much.”

Volpe and Luthmann then launch into their “Is It Frivolous?” segment by analyzing the defamation lawsuit filed by Andrew and Tristan Tate. The brothers claim they’re victims of an “anti-Tate ecosystem” of X (Twitter) accounts conspiring to defame them. Volpe and Luthmann laugh off the suit and explain that public figures like the Tates must prove actual malice—a high bar in U.S. law.

They close by playing videos of Andrew Tate describing how he manipulated women into working for his webcam business. “They’re not allowed out,” Tate says. “I’ll just start beating the shit out of you.” Volpe and Luthmann conclude the Tates may have confessed to sex trafficking on camera. “Force, fraud, and coercion—that’s trafficking,” Volpe says. “They’re not just public figures—they’re dangerous.”

Episode 32 is packed with legal dissection, political analysis, dark humor, and a healthy dose of moral outrage—all signature elements of The Unknown Podcast.