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Politicology

Politicologypoliticology.com
Politics in America is transforming. We’re embarking on a new series to deepen our understanding of who we are, how we got here, and how we rebuild without repeating the mistakes of the past. Ron Steslow hosts academics, behavioral economists, social psychologists, politicos, philosophers, anthropologists, journalists, poets, and storytellers—and more—to discuss America’s political present and future and dive into the deeper problems we face as a nation. Email us questions or comments: podcast@politicology.com.
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Episodes

Crypto Clash—The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. ** Get your ticket to our LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on Wednesday, May 29th: politicology.com/events ** This week, we discuss the crypto bills getting democratic support in Congress despite Biden’s opposition, why housing is a key issue driving Latinos away from Democrats, and the rise of political violence throughout this election cycle. Joining Ron Steslow on this we...

May 24, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 369

Urban Warfare

** Get your ticket to our special LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events ** In the wake of the emotional and highly charged conversations surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, information pollution has only added to the confusion. This week, we bring in an urban warfare expert to offer a sober and clear-eyed discussion on the Israel-Hamas war, the objectives and challenges involved, and the true meaning behind some of the mo...

May 23, 20241 hr 53 minSeason 2Ep. 368

A Parade of Red Ties—The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. ** Get your ticket to our special LIVE recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events ** This week, we discuss Russia’s latest offensive in Ukraine, stubborn inflation, Biden and Trump’s plans to debate, and the parade of Republicans going to Trump’s trial in New York City Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Di...

May 17, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 367

Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid and Lucy Caldwell

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder), Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (06:50) How you can maximize the impact of political donations (15:10) The precinct strategy and how bad actors could sow doubt about the election (27:00) It’s not a good political strategy to shoot...

May 16, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 366

Affordability Voters—The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. ** Want to come to a live taping? Let us know here: https://tpolls.typeform.com/to/Gxjndbgf This week, we look at how the affordability crisis is hurting Biden’s chances with Latino voters, how more people are getting good jobs without a college degree, and another congressional Democrat indicted for taking bribes from a foreign country. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson fo...

May 10, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 365

The Primary Solution

Nick Troiano (Executive Director of Unite America) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss how our process for primary elections fuels the partisan doom loop and leaves more and more Americans disappointed about their choices, and Nick’s new book The Primary Solution: Rescuing our Democracy from the Fringes Segments to look forward to: (01:52) The Need for Primary Election Reform (02:56) The Impact of Primary Reform on Elected Officials and Political Parties (15:42) How Closed Primaries Disenfranchise...

May 08, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 364

The ‘Imperial Presidency’—The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at the growing pessimism people are feeling about their money, their plans to spend less, and the monetary policy that’s driving that. Then we’ll discuss the dystopian preview of a second Trump term in the Time Magazine cover story, and Arizona’s move to repeal its 1864 Abortion ban. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advi...

May 03, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 2Ep. 363

Briefly, Perfectly Human

Alua Arthur (Death Doula) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss the importance of embracing mortality, talking about death, and her new book, Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life and Getting Real About the End. Segments to look forward to: (02:31) What is a death doula? (05:39) Alua’s journey and embracing mortality (07:28) The impact of avoiding conversations about death (10:33) Practical ways to approach contemplating death (26:00) Having conversations about death with your loved ones...

May 02, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 362

“Safe Spaces” Campaign —The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at the Ukraine and Israel aid package and whether Mike Johnson might actually be a capable speaker. Then we’ll discuss the anti-Israel encampments at college campuses across the country. Finally, we’ll talk about the “safe space” election and how Joe Biden and Donald Trump are only talking to friendly media Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political...

Apr 26, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 361

Means of Control — Part 2

In this two part series, Journalist and author Byron Tau joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State Part 2: (02:17) The extensive government data collection Edward Snowden revealed (09:40) How data vendors bypass privacy reviews within government agencies (11:50) The role of encryption in safeguarding privacy and the historical context of encryption legalization (18:40) Government e...

Apr 25, 202443 minSeason 2Ep. 360

Missiles & Money — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, what it means for the Middle East, and the response at home. Then we discuss how people living above the poverty line are feeling the financial crunch, Donald Trump’s plan to boost inflation, and the IMF’s warning that our deficit spending could upend the global economy. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U...

Apr 19, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 2Ep. 359

Means of Control — Part 1

In this two part series, Journalist and author Byron Tau joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State Part 1: (02:36) Byron’s background and why he decided to write this book (05:15) The Evolution of data brokering (09:00) Understanding metadata and data collection and how they can identify you (12:12) The implications for personal privacy (22:15) The state of privacy rights in the Un...

Apr 18, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 358

“Get Caught Trying” — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at No Labels announcing they won’t field a ticket and the impact RFK Jr. could have, how Trump’s abortion announcement and the Arizona Supreme Court case could impact the election, and Joe Biden tries to cancel student debt…again. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Liam Donovan (Principal at B...

Apr 12, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 357

How To Demoralize America

Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) and Chris Zappone (Digital Foreign Editor at The Age and the writer and narrator of the Dark Shining Moment podcast) join host Ron Steslow to discuss the evolution of Russian tactics since 2016 and the vulnerability of American democracy Segments to look forward to: (02:16) The state of the war in Ukraine (10:00) The evolution of Russian influence campaigns (14:37) What Putin wants (25:14) The democratic mind and futu...

Apr 11, 20241 hr 41 minSeason 2Ep. 356

Democracy Doomsday Prepping — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at one way Republicans could try to legally throw out votes to ensure Trump’s victory, the latest Wall Street Journal polling, and the backlash against DEI Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Segments this week: (02:06) Starting the steal (20:10) The WSJ Poll and who benefit...

Apr 05, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 255

Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (01:05) The Bannon Line and how the dynamics of this cycle are different from 2020 (09:00) Why the traditional political spectrum isn’t a useful framework and the rise of populism (17:50) The Fairness Doctrine and the impact of its Removal (25:25) The debate over whether Biden should debate Trum...

Apr 03, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 358

Trump Is Now A Meme Stock — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Trump taking Truth Social public, the ISIS terrorist attack in Moscow, and why you weren’t crazy about how bad inflation was Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Al Cárdenas (Advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush) Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Segments this week: (02:50) Truth Social Goes Public (17:00) ISIS attack in Moscow (36:24) Inflation...

Mar 29, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 353

The Lie Detectives — Part 2

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus How do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen to start online? In the second episode of this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape...

Mar 27, 202428 minSeason 2Ep. 252

Trouble In The Base — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Tuesday’s election results and the warning signs for Trump, whether the impeachment inquiry is backfiring on Republicans, and how to talk about “Christian Nationalism” Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Po...

Mar 22, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 351

“Fur-Lined Handcuffs” — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we dive into the nuances of Georgia’s Republican primary, No Labels pushing forward with their plan to draft a presidential candidate, and Donald Trump’s takeover at the RNC Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel: Greg Bluestein (Politics Reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) Segments this week: (02:14)...

Mar 15, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 349

Where Have All The Democrats Gone?—Part 2

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition. “Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win. But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party. But—beyond its opposit...

Mar 13, 202434 minSeason 2Ep. 348

Sleepy Joe Wakes Up— The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. With the presidential nominations locked up after Super Tuesday, Joe Biden kicked off his 2024 campaign in earnest at his “defiant” State of the Union address. Also: the Super Tuesday results, Nikki Haley bowing out of the primary and the fight for her supporters. Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel: Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP) Alex Thompson (National Political Correspondent for Axios) Segments this ...

Mar 08, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 347

Where Have All The Democrats Gone?—Part 1

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition. “Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win. But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party. But—beyond its opposit...

Mar 06, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 346

IVF vs The Border— The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. What will the protest votes in Michigan mean for the Biden campaign? What major Trump weakness did we see in his 20-point win in South Carolina? Joining Ron Steslow on week’s panel: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) Anthony York (Fmr. Senior Communications Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom) Segments this week: (02:30) Did the “uncommitted” protest vote against Biden in Michigan backfire? (13:03) The Republican Pr...

Mar 01, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 345

Your Face Belongs To Us — Part 2

Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous? Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowing your dating history, your political affiliations, your credit score or what groceries you buy? Advancements in facial recognition and a secretive st...

Feb 28, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 344

Laces And Legacies — The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Last week, Vladimir Putin had his biggest domestic rival, Alexei Navalny murdered in prison. Now Donald Trump is comparing himself to Navalny. This week’s panel: Ron Steslow Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Segments this week: (02:50) Navalny’s killing; and the Republican impeachment probe takes a big hit (29:04) Donald Trump...

Feb 23, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 343

Your Face Belongs To Us — Part 1

Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous? Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowing your dating history, your political affiliations, your credit score or what groceries you buy? Advancements in facial recognition and a secretive st...

Feb 22, 202439 minSeason 2Ep. 242

Grandpa v. Grandpa —The Weekly Roundup

To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Last week, a Department of Justice special counsel report concluded that Joe Biden should not be charged for his mishandling of classified documents, but the allegations about Biden’s memory have taken center stage. This week’s panel: Ron Steslow Matt Bennett (Founder & Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Fo...

Feb 17, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 2Ep. 341

Democracy’s Christian Enemies — Part 1

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions a...

Feb 15, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 339

Democracy’s Christian Enemies — Part 2

Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and...

Feb 15, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 340
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