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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

Buckle Up—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the presidential election results, what the early exit polling numbers could mean, and what Democrats will need to do moving forward after losing the popular vote for the first time in two decades Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about the questions Trump’s electoral victory raises for and about the media. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director) And...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 2Ep. 427

ENCORE: The Pursuit of Happiness with Dr. Catherine Sanderson

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College Dr. Catherine Sanderson joins Ron Steslow to talk about happiness and how to harness the power of a positive mindset. (02:49) The negative connotation of the “power of positive thinking” and adopting a growth mindset (11:32) Revisiting the myth of monsters (13:13) Redemption and reconciliation, and applying ...

Nov 06, 202430 minSeason 2Ep. 426

ENCORE: Of Boys and Men—Part 2

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus Richard Reeves (author of Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It) joins Ron Steslow to discuss his book and the struggles facing boys and men. (02:04) The toxicity of “toxic masculinity” (08:00) The “right” at war and the “left” in denial (13:00) How negative partisanship only increases the problem (15:00) The differences in funding an...

Nov 03, 202425 minSeason 2Ep. 425

Battle For The Sexes—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the huge gap between college-educated women and non-college educated men, what it could mean in the election and moving forward. Later, we look at how attention has shifted away from the White House after Biden dropped out of the presidential race. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we dive into why the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission has become a hot-button presidential campaign issue and whether a...

Nov 02, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 424

ENCORE: Of Boys and Men—Part 1

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus Richard Reeves (author of Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It) joins Ron Steslow to discuss his book and the struggles facing boys and men. (02:13) Richard’s work and how it led to studying boys and men (04:00) The risks if the problems are not addressed (07:30) The gendered education gap (0z8:20) How economic shifts have impacted m...

Oct 30, 202427 minSeason 2Ep. 423

The Podcast Election—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we dive into Donald Trump’s trip to McDonalds and how both campaigns are trying to position themselves with working class voters. Then, we’ll look at Trump plans to sit down with Joe Rogan and Harris joining Brené Brown, and what the “podcast election” is revealing about the changing media landscape. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss Trump’s longest-serving Chief of Staff, John Kelly, speaking out and warning that Tr...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 422

"Everything Feels Very Topsy-Turvy" with Mike Madrid

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid and Ron Steslow talk shop about the state of the race in the final stretch: -Warning bells for Harris in Nevada - GOP defections and the “permission structure” fantasy - Why the Blue Wall might fall - Latino voters - The global anti-incumbent election trend - Harris’ attempt to be both a change candidate and a continuity candidate, and the importance of contrast - Why immigra...

Oct 23, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 421

TAPPED: Israel’s Bin Laden

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this conversation, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer, discusses the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar—the mastermind of the October 7 massacre. He explains the potential shifts in Hamas’s leadership structure, future negotiations for hostages being held by the terrorist group, what it could mean for Hamas’s coordination with Hezbollah, and the broader impact on the Middle E...

Oct 19, 202424 minSeason 2Ep. 420

For God and Country—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the evangelical preacher—Lance Wallnau—who’s blending tent revivals with political mobilization to help elect Donald Trump. Then, we’ll talk about the “Uncommitted” movement in Michigan, how it could impact the race, and Jill Stein openly embracing being a spoiler for Trump. Later, we look at Vice President Harris’s push to appeal to men—especially Black men—and why Democrats should have a policy plan for men’s issues. Fin...

Oct 19, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 419

ENCORE: 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...

Oct 16, 202428 minSeason 2Ep. 418

ENCORE: The Lie Detectives — Part 1

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 start online? In 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, as Sasha’s reveals in h...

Oct 16, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 416

“Electoral Process Porn” —The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss election integrity, how our elections are more secure than they’ve ever been, and the opportunities bad actors are going to use to cast doubt on the election. Then, we’ll discuss Vice President Harris’s “media blitz” and who she’s trying to reach. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about the U.S. government using its power to take out banks when it doesn’t like their customers—and shed some light on why crypto...

Oct 11, 202458 minSeason 2Ep. 417

The Lie Detectives — Part 1

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 start online? In 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, as Sasha’s reveals in h...

Oct 09, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 350

One Year Later

For ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus It’s been one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th. Hamas terrorists entered Israel and brutally raped and murdered over 1,200 people and gleefully live streamed some of the most horrific scenes we've ever seen. Over 200 people were abducted into Gaza by Hamas and a lot has changed over the last year. Tensions are continuing to rise and war is continuing to spread in the ...

Oct 07, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 415

Harris Heads to the Border—The Weekly Roundup (LIVE from DC!)

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we have a special crossover episode with The Latino Vote Podcast. We talk about Kamala Harris’s trip to the southern border and shift in messaging on border security. Then, we discuss Donald Trump leaning into Christian “spiritual warfare” and how it could shape challenges to the election. Later, we dive into the Wall Street Journal’s analysis of the increase in reliance on government spending and how it is shaping both parties’ push...

Oct 05, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 414

Beeper Bombs and Iranian Missiles

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this conversation, John Spencer, an urban warfare expert, discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He explains the differences between Hezbollah and Hamas, the implications of Iran's involvement, and the evolving nature of warfare, including precision strikes and tactical innovations. Spencer emphasizes t...

Oct 02, 202423 minSeason 2Ep. 413

Bracing For Another Contested Election—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss election integrity and what could happen if Donald Trump contests the results of the November election. Then, we’ll discuss Vice President Harris’s comment saying she’d support removing the filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about the scandals embroiling Mark Robinson, the candidate running for Governor of North Carolina, his inflammatory posts, and how the Robinson scandals c...

Sep 28, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 412

ENCORE: Why We Buy

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In our digital age, people have grown to see social media platforms as mere tools and applications. Marcus Collins, the award-winning marketer, former digital strategist for Beyoncé, and author of "For The Culture", argues otherwise. Join host Ron Steslow as he sits down with Marcus to unravel the deep-seated influence of culture on social media and our daily choices. Marcus elaborates o...

Sep 25, 202436 minSeason 2Ep. 411

Dogs, Cats, and a Very Online Campaign —The Weekly Roundup

This week, we discuss the second attempted assassination of Donald Trump and who’s most responsible for rhetoric that encourages political violence. Then, we’ll discuss the spreading rumors about migrants eating pets, Trump’s very online campaign, and the attempt to backfill outright lies with spurious evidence of plausibility. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about how articles on Wikipedia are manipulated and why you should beware of what you read there. Joining Ron Steslow on t...

Sep 20, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 2Ep. 410

ENCORE: Rank The Vote, Rock The Boat

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus Imagine a world where candidates no longer need to pander to the extremes, where minor candidates don’t tip elections one way or another, and where your vote can truly represent your values. Sounds like a dream, right? States like Alaska and Maine are already proving it's possible. And they’re doing it with Ranked Choice Voting. In this episode host Ron Steslow and Deb Otis (Director of ...

Sep 18, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 409

Trump Takes The Bait—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Then, we consider the implications of Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, endorsing Kamala Harris. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we answer a listener question and talk about electoral reforms that could improve voting and reinvigorate our democracy. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Lucy Caldwell (...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 408

The Campaign to Annoy Economists

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus Host Ron Steslow welcomes economist ​​Scott Lincicome (Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute) to Politicology to discuss the economic policies of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. They dive into the challenges of economic news coverage and common misconceptions, the rise of economic populism and its impact on policy, and then dive into specific policy proposals fro...

Sep 12, 202432 minSeason 2Ep. 407

Collapse of the Orange Curtain—Red County, Blue County, Orange County (Episode 6)

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 Democratic State Senator Tom Umberg and Republican Huntington Beach City Councilman Tony Strickland about where the county is right now. Then, he hears from Los Angeles Times columnist Gusta...

Sep 08, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 406

“The Ring of Fire”—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the recent execution of hostages by Hamas, the charges against Hamas leaders, and the threat of Iran as it pushes for regional dominance. Then, we discuss the joint interview of Vice President Harris and her running mate Gov. Tim Walz with CNN’s Dana Bash Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about new protests on college campuses as classes start, what colleges have learned from campus unrest last spring, what f...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 405

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...

Sep 04, 202443 minSeason 2Ep. 405

High Tech Anxiety—Red County, Blue County, Orange County (Episode 5)

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 the influx of higher-skilled, college-educated tech workers made...

Sep 01, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 404

Entering The Home Stretch—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, as the Presidential race enters the home stretch, we discuss Vice President Harris’s push to regain ground with Latino Voters and the electoral impact of RFK Jr’s decision to leave the race and endorse Trump. Next, we talk about the success of Ukraine’s offensive against Russia, Israel’s preemptive strike to thwart a massive attack by Hezbollah, and how the conflicts around the globe underscore the stakes of this election. Finally, w...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 2Ep. 403

ENCORE: 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...

Aug 28, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 402

Age of Transformation—Red County, Blue County, Orange County (Episode 4)

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 military base closures and enormous job losses at defense contra...

Aug 25, 202440 minSeason 2Ep. 401

Not Going Back—The Weekly Roundup

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the Democratic National Convention, the effort to appeal to more moderate voters, and Kamala Harris’s masterful acceptance speech. Next, we talk about Harris’s “price gouging” plan and economic policy proposals and the consequences of using Congress’s dysfunction as a backstop for bad policy proposals. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about the different ways foreign countries are trying to shape public opin...

Aug 24, 20241 hrSeason 2Ep. 400
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