Byline with Ben Dennis

Who gets to decide when America’s most historic public spaces should change? Washington, D.C., has always evolved. Presidents and first ladies have influenced its landscape, new memorials have reshaped the National Mall, and security needs have changed how the public experiences some of the country’s most recognizable places. Now, projects proposed or advanced during President Donald Trump’s secon...

The 2026 midterms are still months away, but the political fight for 2028 may already be taking shape. Will voters cast their ballots based on affordability, foreign policy, cultural issues, or frustration with Washington? Are Democrats building a message beyond opposition to President Trump? And what does the future of the Republican Party look like once Trump is no longer on the ballot? Politica...

AI is changing how people find information, make decisions, and interact with technology. But what happens when it gets something wrong? Law professor and former Google trust and safety expert Jess Miers joins me to discuss AI liability, chatbot lawsuits, free speech, and the legal questions courts are being forced to answer in real time.

Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical. It’s already shaping how we search for information, communicate with coworkers, consume news, and increasingly how society functions behind the scenes. But as AI systems become more embedded into everyday life, a larger question is emerging: Who decides the rules? In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis , Ben sits down with legal scholar and form...

Is there such a thing as a fair election? This week on Byline, Penn State mathematics professor Andrea Boito joins me to unpack the hidden math behind democracy — from ranked-choice voting and the Electoral College to apportionment, strategic voting, and why mathematicians say a perfectly “fair” voting system may actually be impossible. We dive into the formulas and theories that shape how leaders...

You open your phone. Within seconds, you’re scrolling—posts, videos, headlines, all arranged in a way that feels almost intuitive. But why that post? Why that video? Why that story—right now? In this episode, Ben Dennis speaks with Katie Harbath, former Facebook public policy director and CEO of Anchor Change, about how those decisions are made—and how quickly they’re changing. Because what shows...

The missiles have flown. The ceasefire looks fragile. What happens if this conflict doesn’t stay overseas? How long could this fighting last? What happens to gas prices if it drags on? And what does it mean for Americans here at home? In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis , I sit down with retired U.S. Army Major General John Ferrari to go beyond the headlines and break down what’s actually ha...

What does it actually take to protect the President of the United States? In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with Jeff James — a former Secret Service agent who spent more than two decades on protective detail — to discuss what it actually takes to protect the President of the United States. From the day-to-day volume of threats, to protecting foreign leaders, to how intelligenc...

Before the public ever hears about a U.S. strike, decisions have already been made inside the Pentagon. But the bigger question is: What happens next? As tensions rise with Iran, most coverage focuses on what just occurred — missiles launched, statements issued, retaliation promised. Inside the Defense Department, though, officials are already assessing risk, modeling escalation, and preparing for...

Who do you trust — and why? Is trust built on facts? On tone? On whether someone reinforces what you already believe? This week on Byline , I talk with Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to Dr. Jill Biden, about how trust is built, protected, and sometimes tested inside the White House. We unpack how messaging decisions are made, how influence travels from Washington to everyday Americans, and...

Politics feels louder. Angrier. More exhausting. In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, I sit down with political communication expert Peter Loge to unpack why outrage motivates voters, why affordability dominates elections, and how leadership rhetoric can either calm a nation or escalate distrust. We discuss:• Why anger drives political incentives• The racist AI depiction of the Obamas and le...

⚠️ This is a featured segment from Monday’s full episode of Byline with Ben Dennis . For full context and the complete conversation, watch or listen to the entire interview. In this excerpt, we examine the impact of racist political imagery — including depictions of former President Obama — and the broader question of leadership and responsibility in American politics. Do presidents set the tone f...

Is it AI? Is it legit? Those are questions many of us ask while scrolling TikTok and Instagram—often after a video has already been shared thousands of times. In this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis , I talk with Tracee Stanford of the News Literacy Project , who works with educators nationwide to help students learn what information can be trusted—and how to verify it for themselves. We recorde...

Dive into the complexities of press freedom with Ben Dennis and legal expert Anna Diakun, an attorney with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Discover the challenges citizens and journalists face today, and the impact of social media algorithms on free speech. The conversation covers a range of topics; delving into the First Amendment, the role of influencers, government...

Join Ben Dennis for a conversation with Jesse Rodriguez, Vice President of Editorial and Booking at MS NOW, examining how news organizations are adapting to changes in how audiences consume information—and how editorial decisions shape what viewers ultimately see. Rodriguez reflects on how his early newsroom experience in Miami informed his transition to network news, and how MS NOW is approaching...

One U.S. Capitol Police Officer beaten during the January 6th riots recalls the moments a mob attacked him and his colleagues while protecting Congress. Five years later Winston Pingeon tells Ben how he looks toward a future without political violence, his journey finding peace and how he hopes people don't rewrite history. Byline with Ben Dennis goes beyond the headlines to explore why they m...

Join us as we delve into the U.S. military's bold move in Venezuela, capturing Nicolas Maduro, and the ensuing political debate. Discover how this pivotal event could shape the midterm elections and influence global politics. Byline with Ben Dennis  goes beyond the headlines to explore why they matter — and how they shape our lives. Journalist Ben Dennis talks with experts, community leaders,...

2025 was a political inflection point—and the fallout isn’t over. On this episode of Byline with Ben Dennis, Ben looks back at the year’s biggest political moments, from Donald Trump’s reemergence at the center of power, and what it all means heading into 2026. Ben revisits his enlightening interview with Peter Loge, a political analyst and professor at George Washington University, for a candid c...

In this episode of "Byline with Ben Dennis," we delve into the impending healthcare crisis as premiums are set to soar in 2026. Join Ben as he interviews Kitty Richards, a former Biden administration official, to explore the roots of this issue, the impact of expiring Obamacare tax credits, and potential solutions. The conversation also touches on the release of the Epstein files and the...

🎧 Tune in to this exciting episode of “Byline” with Ben Dennis as he dives into the week’s top stories, giving you the real scoop without any hidden agendas. We’ll be talking about the heartbreaking news surrounding the passing of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, the tragic events in Australia during Hannukah, and how holiday shopping is changing. Ben will be joined by Michael Giusti, a...

Join Ben as he partners with real estate expert Olivia Farrell to discuss the evolving landscape of home-buying. They delve into the challenges and opportunities in today's market, offering practical advice and insights for first-time buyers and anyone interested in real estate. Discover how current trends are shaping the dream of home ownership. #RealEstate #HomeBuying • Byline with Ben Denni...

Explore the real impact of government workforce cuts through the compelling stories of Anna Culbertson and Catherine Baker; both are working to support fired federal workers ousted during the wave of Elon Musk's DOGE cuts. Uncover the challenges faced by federal employees and their fight for transparency and justice. This episode offers a deep dive into the resilience and advocacy efforts of t...

In this engaging episode of "Byline with Ben Dennis," Ben interviews Tony Dahbura, head of the Sports Analytics Research Group at Johns Hopkins University. They explore the transformative role of AI in sports, discussing its impact on everything from fan experiences to sports betting and broadcasting. Tony shares insights into the secretive nature of sports analytics and the potential fo...

In this episode, Ben Dennis sits down with Todd Huntley, the director of the National Security Law Program at Georgetown University Law, to explore the legal intricacies of national security and military operations. They discuss Todd's career as a legal advisor at the Pentagon, his insights on the legality of military actions, and the moral considerations involved. The conversation also touche...

Ever wondered how national politics influence your local vote? 🗳️ On this episode, we unravel the Trump effect, dissect the economy's sway on elections, and explore the future of political discourse. Dive in and discover how these forces shape our world and the way Democrats and Republicans strategize for the 2026 Congressional midterm election! Byline with Ben Dennis  goes beyond the headline...