This episode is a little bit different. And personal. Kristyn Komarnicki, director of dialogue and convening at Christians for Social Action, and Darren Calhoun, a justice advocate, worship leader, and Associate Fellow at CSA, join Ron Steslow to discuss intentional dialogue, and how we can use their techniques in the relationships that matter to us. (07:06) What is dialogue? How is it different from everyday conversations? (8:19) What does a curated dialogue look like? (20:23) How do you prepar...
Feb 20, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 455
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...
Feb 15, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 454
For the ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this episode, Ron talks to Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) about Russia’s ongoing attack on Ukraine, the status of the war, and what comes next for Ukraine. They discuss: (01:56) Understanding the current state of the war (05:26) The Evolution of the conflict (12:06) U.S. support and military aid to Ukraine (26:14) Comparing U.S. support to other ...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 453
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the whirlwind around tariffs, the politics and the optics, and why the tariffs on China are moving forward Then, we talk about a Chinese AI startup that’s making shockwaves and how it’s impacting the U.S.-China Tech war After that, we talk about immigration and how the Laken Riley Act vote is a sign of the growing gap in Latino politics Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss the Department of Government Efficie...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 452
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 (10:38) The tradeoffs between tight and loose and how different cul...
Feb 06, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 451
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the chaos that ignited after the White House pushed for a freeze in federal funding and the Trump Administration backing down Then, we talk about Trump-supporting, young men and their desire to be recognized for greatness Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss the government-run snitch lines in seven states and localities Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political ...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 450
For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this episode, Ron talks to Casey Michel (Director of the Combating Kleptocracy Program at the Human Rights Foundation) about his book Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World and how foreign money influences our politics. They discuss: (01:46) The shadow world of foreign lobbying (03:45) Ivy Lee and Paul Manafort (07:36) The First Amendm...
Jan 30, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 449
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss Donald Trump’s broad pardons for January 6th and Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons for Trump critics and his own family members. Then, we talk about Trump’s Executive Orders and whether there’s a growing appetite for something resembling a more monarchical presidency Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss Donald and Melania Trump launching memecoins (don’t worry, we’ll explain) and the serious ethical questions th...
Jan 24, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 448
Liam Donovan, Marc Caputo, Brady Dale (Crypto Reporter at Axios), and host Ron Steslow discuss Donald and Melania Trump launching memecoins and the serious ethical questions they raise Related reading: Axios - Trump meme coin unsettles some blockchain leaders NYT - Trump Begins Selling New Crypto Token, Raising Ethical Concerns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 24, 2025•27 min
For the ad-free & full version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this episode, Ron talks to Nick Anthony (Policy Analyst at the Cato Institute and a Fellow at the Human Rights Foundation) about Central Bank Digital Curriences, their potential to invade privacy, alter the dynamics of financial control, how governments are trying to justify them, and why those arguments are insufficient . They discuss: (04:16) Intro to CBDCs (07:58) How CBDCs would...
Jan 23, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 447
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the devastating wild fires in California and the political earthquake that’s coming. Then, we talk about the paradox of America’s dysfunction at home and unparalleled power on the global stage. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss the TikTok ban set to go into effect and the “refugees” flocking to other China controlled apps. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 446
For the ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this episode, Ron talks to Senator Ron Wyden (Oregon) about his new book It Takes Chutzpah and leading the legislative charge for privacy in the digital age. Segments to look forward to: (01:48) What is Chutzpah (06:06) Being the ‘Designated Driver’ in the Senate (07:31) Why he’s committed to principled bipartisanship (10:22) Why the fight for privacy is so important to him (14:17) The “wild w...
Jan 15, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 445
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss President-elect Trump’s push to get “one, big, beautiful bill” to get his campaign promises through congress. Then, we talk about the proposals for a strategic Bitcoin reserve and the shifts in how legislators are thinking about crypto. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss how we can and should talk about the January 6th attack after Trump’s re-election and as American attitudes about the attack have softened...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 444
For the ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this episode, Ron talks to longtime Washington D.C. public defender Heather Shaner about her work representing dozens of January 6th defendants. They’re joined by Liz Gilbert Cohen who worked as a consulting producer on the documentary about Heather’s work with January 6 defendents—Public Defender. Segments to look forward to: (02:41) The personal impact of January 6th (05:43) The role of publ...
Jan 06, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 443
For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus We live in a loud world that’s getting louder. We encounter noise all around us—from the chatter of polite conversations, to street noise in a big city, to the constant intrusion of the dings of notifications. But what is all of this noise doing to us, and what does it mean to find quiet in the midst of it? In fact, what is silence, anyway? How can it affect our minds, our bodies, and ou...
Jan 02, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 442
For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus We live in a loud world that’s getting louder. We encounter noise all around us—from the chatter of polite conversations, to street noise in a big city, to the constant intrusion of the dings of notifications. But what is all of this noise doing to us, and what does it mean to find quiet in the midst of it? In fact, what is silence, anyway? How can it affect our minds, our bodies, and ou...
Jan 02, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 441
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss President Biden carrying out the largest single-day act of clemency in American history and the controversial commutations of sentences for corrupt public officials. Then, we talk about the rash of reported drone sightings in New Jersey and the confirmed UAV sightings around military bases, and how we can sort fact from fiction to make sure we address real security concerns. Later, we talk about Mitch McConnell’s call to r...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 440
Journalist, Public Speaker and Author Celeste Headlee (@CelesteHeadlee) joins host Ron Steslow (@RonSteslow) to reveal the science and history behind human communication, share keys to unlock deeper conversations, and explain how critical empathy is for our ability to listen and connect. For more information, to contact us, or to contribute to Politicology, visit Politicology.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Dec 18, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 439
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we dive into the fandom that’s developed around the assassin who killed United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson Then, we’ll look at how Donald Trump’s team pulled the Pete Hegseth nomination back from the brink in the Senate. Later, we talk about the younger Democrats pushing for generational change in House committee leadership positions. Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss how Citizens United moved the balance of power ...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 438
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 how giving can make you happier. (02:08) What is happiness and how can we measure it? (08:31) Does giving make you happy or do happy people give more? (10:20) Types of giving and the impact on happiness (14:50) The effect of giving on bad moods (28:58) ...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 437
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, Ron Steslow calls Hagar Chemali to talk about some of the most important stories going on around the world: First, we discuss President Biden pardoning his son, Hunter, and weighing other preemptive pardons Then, we talk about what Trump’s defense, intelligence, and national security nominations could mean Next, we look at South Korea’s president invoking martial law After that, we break down the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal Finally...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 436
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...
Dec 04, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 435
Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party), Liam Donovan (Principal at Bracewell LLP), and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (02:04) Would compulsory voting be good for the United States? (14:22) Matt Gaetz withdrawals as A.G. nominee (26:46) How do you feel about the Trump re-election and fears of retribution? (39:18) The push against disaffected Republicans within the Democratic co...
Nov 29, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 434
You may know him from his dazzling dishes showcased on the hit Netflix TV series, “Chef’s Table,” but three-Star Michelin Chef Dan Barber (Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Blue Hill NYC) has a relationship with ingredients far deeper and more complex than pretty plates of food. In this episode, Chef Dan joins Ron Steslow to discuss the politics and future of food and the consequences of how America feeds itself. To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus (02:32) The current state...
Nov 28, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 433
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid, Liam Donovan, Lucy Caldwell, and Ron Steslow discuss the national security risks that data harvesting presents, the need for stronger protections for privacy, and how privacy is necessary for other rights in the digital age. Related reading: Wired- Anyone Can Buy Data Tracking US Soldiers and Spies to Nuclear Vaults and Brothels in Germany | WIRED Extreme Privacy by Michael Bazzell - https://inteltechniques.com/book7.html Learn mor...
Nov 25, 2024•39 min
This week, we discuss whether Donald Trump and the Republicans have a mandate. Next, we discuss whether America has a cohesive “working class.” Finally, in our separate Politicology+ episode we talk about the national security risks that data harvesting presents—and how we might use it to get better privacy protection for all of us. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder, author of The Latino Century) Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy I...
Nov 23, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 432
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...
Nov 20, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 431
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...
Nov 20, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 430
To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus *NOTE: Upcoming Mailbag Episode! Send us your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (202) 455-4558* This week, we discuss Senate Republicans picking a new leader, Trump’s push for recess appointments, named cabinet nominees, and White House staffing. Next, we discuss reporting that FEMA workers were told to skip houses with Trump signs, and the allegations it was a widespread practice. Finally, in our separate Politico...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 429
For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus 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...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 428
