Max
Max is a political commentator and essayist who focuses on the intersection of American socioeconomic theory and politics in the modern era. He is the publisher of UNFTR Media and host of the popular Unf*cking the Republic podcast and YouTube channel. Prior to founding UNFTR, Max spent fifteen years as a publisher and columnist in the alternative newsweekly industry and a decade in terrestrial radio. Max is also a regular contributor to the MeidasTouch Network where he covers the U.S. economy.
Recent work from Max
Socialism.
July 29, 2026Exploring the complexities of U.S.-Venezuela relations, this post examines the kidnapping of Nicolás Maduro and its implications for socialism and imperialism.
Trump and the Black Jelly Bean Theory.
July 24, 2026Explore the implications of Trump’s economic decisions through the lens of the black jelly bean theory, revealing potential pitfalls for the U.S. economy.
Shitty: The Quest to Make Everything Terrible.
July 22, 2026Explore the troubling implications of current policies and leadership, revealing a pattern of deterioration in democracy, economy, and global humanitarian efforts.
Rashed Mian
Rashed Mian is the managing editor of the award-winning News Beat podcast and co-founder of the newly launched Free The Press (FTP) Substack newsletter. Throughout his career, he has reported on a wide range of issues, with a particular focus on civil liberties, systemic injustice and U.S. hegemony.
Recent work from Rashed Mian
With Iran War Lost, Trump Seeks to Start One at Home.
July 30, 2026The Trump administration is going to extreme levels to quash dissent by conflating speech with violence and labelling people on the left domestic terrorists.
Progressive Spotlight: Melat Kiros.
July 27, 2026At 29, progressive candidate Melat Kiros beat Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary. Her platform: Medicare for All, abolish ICE, end the Gaza genocide.
Establishment Loses & the Democratic Party Reveals Its True Self
July 1, 2026The Democratic Party faces a reckoning as leftist candidates challenge the establishment, revealing deep divisions and a disregard for progressive values.
Christopher Twarowski
Christopher Twarowski is editor in chief of award-winning social justice podcast News Beat and co-founder of Substack newsletter Free The Press (FTP). He has also written for the financial and metro desks of The Washington Post. He strives to shine a light on under-reported issues and communities and spark positive change. Follow him on X @investigations1.