As the Feudal Future podcast marks its fifth anniversary, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky examine how dramatically our society has evolved since they first warned about the emergence of neo-feudalism—a concentration of wealth and power resembling historical feudal systems. The world has changed profoundly since they began. Political alliances have shifted, with powerful tech oligarchs now supporting figures across the political spectrum. Media credibility has deteriorated to the point w...
May 13, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 8
The fault lines in US-Mexico relations have never been more visible. Our expert panel—featuring former CNN journalist Bruno Lopez and economist Alejandro Chaufen—brings decades of experience to unpacking one of North America's most crucial yet strained relationships. Recent polling reveals a shocking statistic: 80% of Mexicans now hold negative views of the United States. This represents a diplomatic crisis happening right under our noses, with consequences that stretch far beyond politics ...
May 05, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 7
America stands at a political crossroads where old alliances are shifting and economic realities are reshaping party loyalties. The Democratic Party faces a profound identity crisis - pragmatic at the local level where mayors tackle real problems head-on, yet seemingly detached at the national level where ideology often trumps practicality. Our fascinating conversation with David Gershwin, Democratic strategist, and Jim Wunderman, CEO of the Bay Area Council, explores this tension that could det...
Apr 15, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Trump's threatened tariffs against Canada have sparked more than just economic anxiety—they've triggered a profound identity crisis among our northern neighbors. Joining Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are John Kay (Quillette) and Rob Roberts (National Post), who offer razor-sharp insights into how this diplomatic tension is reshaping Canadian self-perception. The conversation reveals a fascinating psychological whiplash. Kay observes that many Canadians who recently characterized t...
Apr 01, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 6
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has become one of the most controversial initiatives of the Trump administration, but what does it actually represent? We're joined by Shawn Steel, National Committeeman for the Republican National Committee, and Professor Luke Nichter, historian at Chapman University, to explore the deeper meaning behind this government restructuring effort. Our conversation reveals how DOGE taps into profound middle-class frustration with government spending ...
Mar 19, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 5
The future of California's economy depends on Latino communities. This stark reality emerges vividly in our special town hall session recorded at the Cheech Collection for Chicano Art in Riverside, where experts gathered to discuss findings from "El Futuro es Latino," a groundbreaking research project from Chapman University. The numbers tell a compelling story: Latinos will represent 78% of new US workers over this decade. In California, they comprise nearly 40% of the population...
Mar 14, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Dive into the compelling world of populism in our latest podcast episode where we engage with thought leaders Ryan Streeter and Karl Zinsmeister. With multiple perspectives surrounding the rise of populism, this episode unpacks what it means for the future of American governance and society at large. Discussing the resurgence of populism, our guests present arguments on how it can serve as a counter to the elite's dominance, spotlighting the voices of the working and middle class as critica...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Is California losing its status as a global innovation powerhouse? Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Ken Murphy as we explore the shifting dynamics of California's economic landscape. We question whether the iconic tech hub is maintaining its edge or if it's at risk of devolving into a neo-feudalist economy. While Silicon Valley continues to thrive, other regions like Los Angeles and Sacramento face significant hurdles. Dive deep into the challenges of remote work, high op...
Feb 19, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Is the energy sector on the brink of a transformative era? Join us as we welcome energy expert Robert Bryce to share his insights on the current state of the industry and the potential influence of the Trump administration's policies. We delve into the differing perspectives within the oil and gas sector, contrasting the views of super majors with those of smaller independent players. With Chris Wright stepping into the role of Secretary of Energy, there's renewed hope for a pragmatic ...
Feb 19, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Discover why building a home in California now costs over $1.2 million per unit as we navigate the maze of the state's housing crisis with Gary London and Jennifer Hernandez. These experts shed light on the staggering decline in permits for single and multifamily homes and discuss why, despite numerous housing laws, the production needle remains stuck. We unravel the complex tapestry of regulatory barriers and economic pressures that are stalling housing projects and stress the critical rol...
Feb 04, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 1
What if AI could transform the way we learn, making education more engaging and impactful? Join us as we sit down with Ramit Varma, CEO and co-founder of Breakout Learning, to explore this provocative idea. Discover how his innovative approach is reshaping classroom discussions by addressing common issues like uneven participation and free-riding, all while fostering critical thinking and real-world skills. Through the lens of Breakout Learning, we examine the potential of AI to not only assess ...
Jan 17, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 50
What if the future of global politics looks more like a return to feudalism than continuous progress? Discover the surprising dynamics of 2024 as Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin discuss the unraveling of the liberal world order and the rise of pragmatic priorities among voters. We uncover how shifting societal trends, from the unexpected support for Donald Trump among Latino voters to the growing focus on job security, are reshaping political strategies and questioning the effectiveness of id...
Dec 17, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Dr. Franz Cronje and Bheki Mahlobo join us to unravel the unexpected conservative leanings within South Africa's electorate, a surprising twist given the nation's turbulent history. Together, we examine the African National Congress's promises and its transformative role since apartheid's end, leading to significant socioeconomic changes. Through historical insights, we gain a deeper understanding of how these foundational shifts continue to influence South Africa's poli...
Dec 06, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 47
What happens when business leaders swap boardrooms for the halls of government? Tevi Troy joins us to unpack this fascinating transition with insights from his book, "The Power and the Money." Together, we navigate the evolving political alliances in the business world, especially the shift from traditional industrial powerhouses to tech giants and cultural influencers like Silicon Valley and Hollywood, and their impact on political landscapes. Discover how figures like Elon Musk are n...
Nov 20, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 46
Discover how the Latino community is redefining America's democratic landscape with our fascinating guest, Mike Madrid, author of "The Latino Century." In our conversation, we promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the seismic shift as Latinos transition from minority status to a central demographic force, particularly in California. This episode unpacks the crucial need for an economic blueprint that propels Latinos into the middle class, spotlighting housing affordab...
Nov 05, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 45
What role do civility and unity play in the chaotic realm of presidential elective politics? Esteemed professors William Inboden and Luke Nichter join us to unravel the tumultuous history of presidential elections, drawing compelling parallels between past and present political climates. We dissect the pervasive influence of social media and foreign interference from countries like Russia and China, which contribute to modern political divisions, and we ponder the effectiveness of debates in tod...
Oct 18, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Global connectivity or fragmented realities? Professor Vicki Katz from Chapman University joins us to unpack the complex impact of social media on media literacy. This episode promises to illuminate how social platforms, while bridging distances, also fracture our information landscape. Curious about how this affects our ability to discern truth and the role of legislation in this dynamic? Listen in as we examine Section 230's influence on accountability and the shifting trust in mainstream...
Oct 08, 2024•41 min
Global trends are at a tipping point, and we have Emanuel Probst, global lead of brand thought leadership at Ipsos, to guide us through the chaos. Is nationalism the new norm, and can Gen Z be the bridge that connects a divided world? As we reminisce about the turbulent 1960s, we uncover the modern-day parallels of rising populism and disinformation. Emanuel shares his insights on how the youngest global generation harnesses technology for cross-border connections, even as these digital bonds th...
Oct 02, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 43
What if a small nation could reshape the global landscape through sheer innovation and resilience? In this compelling episode of the Feudal Future Podcast, we welcome George Gilder, a visionary thinker and author, to illuminate how Israel's technological prowess is revolutionizing industries worldwide. Gilder provides fascinating insights from his book, "The Israel Test: How Israel's Genius Enriches and Challenges the World," exploring groundbreaking contributions in computin...
Oct 02, 2024•29 min
Discover how the heartland of America is transforming its political landscape on the Feudal Future podcast. Join us as we sit down with experts like William Binning and Michael Lind to unravel the historical shifts in Midwestern populism, tracing its journey from left-wing origins to its current right-leaning momentum. Learn about the pivotal role of Ohio and influential figures like James Traficant in catalyzing this political realignment, and gain insights into the broader implications for dis...
Aug 27, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 40
Unlock the secrets to thriving in the future job market with insights from Ginger Baxter, Assistant Dean at the Argyros College of Business and Economics, and Tom Piechota, Dean of the Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University. Discover why the days of traditional degrees ruling the job market are fading and how a blend of foundational education with industry-specific skills is the key to unlocking career opportunities. Learn about the growing importance of micro-credentials and practic...
Aug 19, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Housing prices are through the roof, but why? Join us as we navigate the complex maze of housing affordability with insights from Ross Elliott, Peter Holle, and Wendell Cox. We break down how decades of flawed policies and excessive regulations have made homeownership a distant dream for many in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Wendell Cox amplifies the urgent need to address the skyrocketing costs that now dominate household expenses, while Ross Elliott and Peter Hawley expose the pitfalls of r...
Aug 08, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Labour's unexpected triumph and the Conservative Party’s dramatic collapse signal a seismic shift in British politics. Join us as Tom Slater, editor of Spiked, dissects the election results, revealing how Labour managed to capture victory with just 34% of the vote and the implications of the Conservative Party's loss to the right-wing Reform Party. We also draw fascinating parallels with France's left-wing surge led by Jean Mélenchon's coalition, shedding light on the broader...
Aug 07, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Can electric vehicle mandates really deliver the green future we're promised, or are we speeding towards unintended roadblocks? Join us as we dissect the real implications of EV adoption with our insightful guests, Jamie Farley from Performance Brokerage Services and Mark Mills from the National Center for Energy Analytics. Jamie reveals the surprising disconnect between the fast-paced push for EVs and the actual consumer demand, while Mark digs into the physical and material hurdles that m...
Jul 18, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 37
What if the youth of Europe are aligning more with right-wing populism than the traditional left? Join us on the Feudal Future podcast as we unpack this surprising trend with Fraser Myers, deputy editor of Spiked, and Frank Furedi, executive director of the NCC think tank in Brussels. Together, we dissect the political upheaval sweeping across Europe, revealing the key factors driving young people toward populist movements—ranging from dissatisfaction with identity politics to the economic chall...
Jul 08, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 36
What if South Africa could become the next economic powerhouse? In this compelling episode of the Feudal Future Podcast, we're joined by structural engineer Hügo Krüger and analyst Bheki Mahlobo to unpack South Africa's political upheaval and its road ahead. For the first time since 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its majority, leading to a coalition government. This historical shift presents a unique chance for the nation to redefine its political and economic lands...
Jun 27, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Unlock the transformative potential of California’s future as we uncover the influential role of the Latino population in our latest Feudal Future Podcast episode. With Latinos projected to make up 78% of all new U.S. workers by 2030, their impact on the state's socio-economic landscape is monumental. Join us and our distinguished guests, Soledad Ursúa, Jennifer Hernandez, Sen Gloria Romero and Karla López del Río as we navigate the complexities of income disparity, homeownership challenges...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Discover the unexpected fiscal twists and turns as California confronts its financial future, with insights from Steve Malanga of the Manhattan Institute and ex-Orange County Treasurer John Moorlach. As your guides, we, Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin, promise to lead you through a landscape shaped by COVID-19 aftershocks, federal aid windfalls, and the intricate dance of managing state budgets and pension reforms. Prepare to be enlightened by our conversation on the surprising surpluses, the...
May 24, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Unlock the secrets behind the United States reclaiming its semiconductor sovereignty in the latest Feudal Future Podcast episode. Dr. John Berry and Ashwin Rangan, two trailblazers in the tech and education sectors, join us to dissect the urgent need for reshoring this pivotal industry. You'll gain exclusive insights into the CHIPS Act's role in this mission and the formidable obstacles we face, from cutting-edge technological requirements to cultivating a skilled workforce primed for ...
Apr 29, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Could the fate of an entire election hinge on the unsung heroes of American politics, the third-party candidates? Join us as Professor John Compton and Michael Barone unpack that very question, offering an electrifying discourse on the stirrings within third-party politics that could tip the scales in a nail-biter of an election. Our guests peel back the layers on voter disenchantment and the sway of protest votes, zeroing in on the battlegrounds of Michigan and Minnesota. Brace yourselves for a...
Apr 12, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 31
