Claire Wardle (co-founder and co-director of the Information Futures Lab, and Professor of the Practice at the Brown School of Public Health) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the challenges( and failures) in improving our information landscape (02:12) Claire’s background and how it led to her research (05:52) Why terms like “misinformation,” “disinformation,” and “malinformation” have become less and less useful (08:45) How the real world doesn’t fit the framework of “misinformation” and “disinforma...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 399
In this special six-part narrative series, Mike Madrid, in partnership with the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, takes a deep dive into Orange County, California to explore the transformations that have redefined politics there, and what it means for the rest of the country. In this episode, Mike talks to Jean Pasco who covered local politics in the ‘80s and ‘90s for the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times about how California’s Prop 187 originated in Orange County. Then he talks...
Aug 19, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 398
This week, we discuss Donald Trump’s interview with Elon Musk, content moderation, and broader hostility to free speech . Next, we highlight Kamala Harris’s pivot away from some progressive policies, and how rising populism is pushing both Harris and Trump to change their positions. We also discuss the potential consequences of the Trump campaign hack, likely by a foreign adversary, and how newsrooms are handling the leaked information. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about the i...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 397
Host Ron Steslow welcomes Poler Family Professor of Psychology at Amherst College Dr. Catherine Sanderson back to Politicology to talk about how to curb election anxiety. Then they discuss the psychological factors that contributed to January 6th, how they might impact this election cycle, the climate on college campuses, and the blacklisting of “Zionist” therapists amid a professional trend of ‘critical social justice therapy.’ Segments to look forward to: (03:30) How higher stakes elections pr...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 396
In this special six-part narrative series, Mike Madrid, in partnership with the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, takes a deep dive into Orange County, California to explore the transformations that have redefined politics there, and what it means for the rest of the country. In this episode, Mike talks to legendary political strategist Stu Spencer about how Orange County became Reagan Country. Then he discusses the county’s changing political demographics with one of the best election forecas...
Aug 11, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 395
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss Kamala Harris and Tim Walz being the most progressive presidential ticket in American history. Next, we break down the storm of major news stories about escalating wars and conflict across the globe—in the Middle East, in Venezuela, and Ukraine, what they mean for Americans here at home. We also discuss the influence of the presidential election on President Biden’s foreign policy decisions and the challenges the next pres...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 394
To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Michele Gelfand (Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss culture, social norms, and her book Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World (01:46) Why she decided to study culture (04:34) What are tight and loose cultures (06:12) Why tight and loose cultures evolve (...
Aug 07, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 393
In this special six-part narrative series, Mike Madrid, in partnership with the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, takes a deep dive into Orange County, California to explore the transformations that have redefined politics there, and what it means for the rest of the country. In this first episode, Mike talks to Jon Gould (Dean of the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology) about their work, their Orange County poll, and how politics has changed in Orange County. (04:23) Orange County: A Microcosm...
Aug 04, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 392
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the Trump and Harris campaigns battling to define Kamala Harris for voters. Next, we talk about the Democratic messaging shifting to focus on MAGA being “weird” and reporting that Trump is regretting choosing Vance as his running mate . Then, we talk about Donald Trump’s appearance at the largest Bitcoin conference of the year and how crypto is an emerging issue in presidential politics. Finally, we head to Politicology+ w...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 391
Over the last 100 years, we have streamlined the process of food production. A hundred years ago, 99% of people were engaged in the agricultural process in some way. Today, that number is 1%. As a result, our relationship with food has become desperately impersonal. But what are the consequences of all that efficiency? Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of our food systems with Jeff Tkatch (CEO of the Rodale Institute) and host Ron Steslow. In this captivating conversation, we dig...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 390
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week: Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, Kamala Harris clears the field as she rides a tidal wave of support to the top of the Democratic ticket , Republicans switch gears to campaign against her, and the dizzying narrative change about Joe Biden’s capacities that have devastated trust in media. Finally, in our exclusive Politicology+ episode we discuss the Secret Service Director resigning in the wake of the assass...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 389
Host Ron Steslow welcomes Mike Brock, CEO of TBD, a subsidiary of Block Inc. (formerly Square), the financial technology firm led by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey. The Internet is dominated by massive, corporate walled gardens like Google, Facebook, and Twitter (now X), where centralized control makes their users (us!) vulnerable to censorship and manipulation. In this episode, we explore how the movement to decentralize technology empowers individuals, protects against corporate and government ab...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 388
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus After three of the most chaotic weeks in American political history, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid (Cofounders of the Lincoln Project) discuss: - Joe Biden leaving the Presidential race after the pressure campaign from Democrats - Kamala Harris consolidating support and whether it changes the electoral college map - Whether Harris helps or hurts with the erosion of non-white, non-college educated voters away from the Democratic ticket, and whethe...
Jul 22, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 387
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Republican National Convention, the state of the Republican Party, and the state of the Democrats’ effort to oust Joe Biden. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 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 Forward Party) Segments this week: (02:58) T...
Jul 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 386
What are the psychological forces driving that partisan animosity? What’s causing Americans to vote for anti-democracy candidates? Are there any interventions that might actually work to turn down the heat and save our democracy? Robb Willer, professor of sociology, psychology, and organizational behavior at Stanford University talks with Ron Steslow about Stanford’s Strengthening Democracy Challenge, reducing partisan animosity and support for anti-democracy candidates . (01:31) Robb’s backgrou...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 385
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the spectacle of the continuing Democratic attacks on Joe Biden’s candidacy that ignore or misunderstand his path to victory. We also show the contrast of Trump’s own top advisors seeming more concerned about the dark consequences of reelecting him than many Democrats. Then, we talk about how Bidenworld can repair their credibility with reporters after his inner circle worked to keep the signs of his aging under wraps. Fin...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 384
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...
Jul 10, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 383
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week we discuss the fallout from Joe Biden’s debate performance, the calls for him to end his campaign, and the electability argument for him to stay in. Then we talk about the rising stakes of the election and how emboldened Trump will be in a second term. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss Third Way’s initiative to create a talent bank of moderate and center-left to staff the next Democratic administration. Joining Ron St...
Jul 04, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 382
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...
Jul 02, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 381
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week we discuss the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump. We also discuss the expectations game and the impact of the debate on undecided voters. Then we talk about the plausibility of a different Democratic nominee. We also get real about our frustration and embarrassment with the debate and the choice we’re facing in November. Then, in Politicology+ we talk about the increase in political text messages, how you can now get p...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 380
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...
Jun 26, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 379
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week we discuss the recent viral videos of President Biden, deceptive editing, and spin. Then we talk about the report from Columbia University on antisemitism on its campus and the implications of GenZ’s struggle with conflict resolution. Then, we look at President Biden's executive order to give undocumented spouses of American citizens easier access to green cards and a pathway to citizenship. Finally, in Politicology+ we talk about the...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 378
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...
Jun 19, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 377
To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week we discuss the discrepancy between the positive headlines and the reality of people struggling with part-time jobs and rising prices, Israel rescuing hostages, and new Russian sanctions. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) Segments this week: (03:46) Jobs numbers ...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 376
Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. Why were these Christian images on prominent display? What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? How is it continuing to shape our politics? In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Chari...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 374
Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. Why were these Christian images on prominent display? What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? How is it continuing to shape our politics? In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Chari...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 375
To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) joins host Ron Steslow this week to discuss Donald Trump’s conviction in the New York hush money case, Joe Biden's executive order on border security, and the Wall Street Journal report on Biden's cognitive fitness Segments this week: (04:11) Trump’s conviction (26:07) Border executive order (40:25) Biden slipping and ...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 373
Preorder The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy —https://bit.ly/4a7ZCqg Host Ron Steslow sits down with Mike Madrid in front of a live audience in Sacramento, CA to discuss Mike’s upcoming book The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy. Special thanks to everyone who made a donation and to our Politicology+ members who got early access to this intimate event! You can become a Politicology+ member today at https://politicolo...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 372
To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we discuss the “Dems in full blown ‘freakout’ over Biden.” Then, we talk about the high-level NIH officials who tried to undermine government transparency—including about the coronavirus. After that, we look at rising debt interest payments and why high interest rates are making it harder to manage the debt Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) Anthony York (F...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 371
Host Ron Steslow welcomes Alex Gladstein (Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation) to discuss the significant and often misunderstood role of Bitcoin in protecting human rights and fighting against authoritarians around the world. Segments to look forward to: (02:07) Alex’s background in human rights work and why he became interested in Bitcoin (16:18) Bitcoin vs other cryptocurrencies (26:04) Financial privilege (38:35) Bitcoin in action (45:50) Bitcoin creating financial independ...
May 29, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 370
