Highly-rated Latino Christian fiction author Allison K. Garcia is back on Potstirrer Podcast to share with listeners information about her upcoming novel, Finding Amor . Allison chats with Jaye about the inspiration for the new book, writing about characters in a different culture than her own, the family separation crisis on the US/Mexico border, and more! Allison even gives us a sneak peek of what we can expect from Finding Amor ! *Note: Please excuse the sound quality of the episode, as I am ...
Aug 12, 2018•34 min•Season 2Ep. 34
With Donald Trump verbally capitulating to Vladimir Putin during the Helsinki summit July 16, the Russia investigation heating up, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigating the NRA for potential money laundering for the benefit of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, Trump is clearly embroiled in a great deal of controversy. But in the face of it, Trump tells the American people to believe him over the facts that are publicly available. Evangelical leaders are also steering their flock tow...
Jul 29, 2018•31 min•Season 2Ep. 33
With the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court by Donald Trump, many pro-life Americans are rejoicing at the pick. Their hope is that Kavanaugh's elevation to the Court will signal the end of Roe v. Wade, the US Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Jaye explores the question - what will happen if Roe is set aside by the US Supreme Court? Will this achieve the goal of ending abortion, or is that truly the goal? And - to Americans who are staunchly pro-life re...
Jul 15, 2018•27 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Several US Supreme Court rulings in June that have emboldened Donald Trump and the GOP, and have left Democrats reeling. In addition, US Supreme Court justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring, which means the Trump administration has another opening they can fill on the court. Jaye discusses these and related developments, seeks to place them into perspective. In the wake of these events, Jaye aims to provide messages of admonishment, motivation, and hope. Thank you for listening! Subscribe, review, ...
Jul 01, 2018•26 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In our multi-parter second installment of Riverside Chats, Jaye is joined by her husband Chuckles as they share just a little bit of their lively political conversations - as a couple with divergent political views. In Part 2, Jaye and Chuckles discuss poverty, police brutality, and the landscape for 2018 and 2020. Should the Republican Party, who is in control of all branches of federal government, consider courting voters outside of their core base? PLUS - Potstirrer Podcast has now joined Fly...
Jun 17, 2018•24 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In today's episode, Jaye discusses recent news stories related to undocumented immigration and refugees from Latin America. Where are the 1500 missing migrant children that were being tracked by the federal government? How are children in the custody of US Customs being treated? And is there any moral or ethical issue with calling MS-13 gang members "animals?" Jaye delves into past events as she makes the case that when we dehumanize other people, it becomes all too easy to treat them inhumanely...
Jun 03, 2018•40 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In our multi-parter second installment of Riverside Chats, Jaye is joined by her husband Chuckles as they share just a little bit of their lively political conversations - as a couple with divergent political views. In Part 1, Jaye and Chuckles debate the Stormy Daniels controversy, revisit health care, and begin discussing the 2018 midterm elections. Should the Democratic Party attempt to court Trump voters, and if so, how can they do that without losing their base? The Riverside Chats special ...
May 20, 2018•31 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Do we have a "free press" in the United States? Jaye makes the case that even though the news media are not owned by the government, elite monopolistic ownership of media outlets and lack of federal regulations lead to outcomes not much different than state-run news media. What does the lack of free press mean for our democracy? Also - we debut a new segment called "Editorial by Jaye." In the first "editorial," Jaye gives her reaction to the Alfie Evans case. While the case is extremely tragic -...
May 06, 2018•31 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In the concluding episode of a two-part series, Jaye continues her discussion on the decline of the United States within the framework of her hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She discusses the conditions in Detroit prior to the 1967 Detroit riots that led to the riots and the decline of the city, including workplace discrimination, housing segregation, the destruction of tight-knit black communities by urban renewal, racial strife between white and black Detroiters, and tensions between police and t...
Apr 22, 2018•37 min
In the first of a two-part series, Jaye discusses the decline of the United States within the framework of her hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She also outlines the conditions needed for a thriving country. Is "inefficient" government truly the problem? Is America a failed state? Thank you for listening! Subscribe, review, rate 5 stars, and share! Check us out online: Twitter: @potstirrercast IG: @potstirrerpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potstirrerpodcast/ Website: http://potstirrerpodc...
Apr 01, 2018•22 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, Jaye contemplates her academic background and personal experiences in American evangelicalism when examining the recent focus by the mainstream media on white evangelicals. Over 80 percent of white evangelical voters supported Donald Trump in 2016, and many American evangelical leaders continue to defend Trump's rhetoric and actions, which sharply run against the very Bible evangelical doctrine states is the inerrant word of God. Are white evangelical believers being persecuted ...
Mar 18, 2018•23 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode, Jaye discusses the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. What are the problems contributing to these school shootings, and what can be done to decrease the instances of these tragedies in the future? Jaye takes on the arguments made on both the extreme pro-gun and anti-gun sides - as Americans on all sides of the Second Amendment / gun control debate are needed to cooperatively craft lasting, working solutions that will save the lives of children and preserve our democrac...
Mar 04, 2018•20 min•Season 2Ep. 23
**WARNING: Mature Subject Matter Jaye concludes her two-part discussion of the abortion issue in Part II. She discusses the origins of the Religious Right after the Roe v. Wade US Supreme Court decision in 1973, and the role abortion as a political issue played in the formation of the Religious Right. Jaye also reacts to the tendency of the pro-life movement to co-opt equality movements for their own purposes. In addition, alternatives and solutions that would lower abortion rates are presented....
Feb 18, 2018•23 min•Season 2Ep. 22
WARNING: Mature Subject Matter In Part I of a two-part series, Jaye begins to tackle what has arguably been the most controversial political issue in the United States for the past 50 years - abortion. She discusses her own views on the topic and how she arrived at her stance. Jaye also delves into the history of abortion rights in the United States up until the 1973 Roe v. Wade US Supreme Court decision. Thank you for listening! Listen, subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and share! Reach out to the sh...
Feb 04, 2018•27 min•Season 2Ep. 21
This special Christmas/New Years episode takes a look at the “War on Christmas” – the belief that societal forces are attempting to attack or downplay the Christmas holiday. The “War on Christmas” tends to be a common idea in conservative Christian circles, and exploited by conservative politicians and media. Is there a “War on Christmas,” and what it the concern about Christmas truly about? Jaye also gives a year in review and gives her predictions regarding what we will see in US national poli...
Dec 24, 2017•22 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Today’s episode is a reminder that truth still matters, even in a “post-truth” era. Jaye discusses the abandonment of truth among many conservative evangelicals in the United States in pursuit of political power. What does the Bible say about truth, and what does it mean for those in American society who claim to hold the Bible as the inspired or literal word of God, yet also profess allegiance to Trump, nationalism, and the Republican Party? *Apologies in advance for unforeseen technical diffic...
Dec 10, 2017•22 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Today’s episode explores the Second Amendment to the US Constitution in light of the recent mass shootings and rhetoric from American politicians surrounding crime, terrorism, gun control and mental illness. Jaye presents what some listeners may consider a surprising take on the issue of gun control and the Second Amendment. Also, Jaye makes the argument that how politicians, interest groups and the media discuss these issues does the American people a disservice. Does the way we understand and ...
Nov 26, 2017•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. Today’s episode continues with the subject matter of alleged sexual misconduct on the part of famous and powerful figures, and how we react to these accounts. This time, Jaye focuses on the case of Roy Moore, the former state court judge running for the US Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions in the state of Alabama. Moore, a controversial politician strongly aligned with the Religious Right, ha...
Nov 12, 2017•32 min•Season 1Ep. 17
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. In today's episode, Jaye frames the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal and other sexual misconduct incidents currently in the news as part of a larger discussion on how we respond to oppression and violence. Why are many of us inclined to take the word of the accused if we can relate to them, or if they are powerful figures we like? At the same time, why do we hide behind “they weren’t conv...
Oct 29, 2017•21 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In today's episode, Jaye discusses the changes Donald Trump is making to health care, and the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico. How has Trump reacted to the natural disaster and loss of life in Puerto Rico, and what does his reaction say about what the president values? In addition, Jaye delves into the role of a free press, and brings historical context to why Trump's constant attacks on the news media are dangerous for democracy. Citations: Barclay, Eliza, and Alexia Fernández Campbell. 2017...
Oct 15, 2017•24 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In today's episode, Jaye interviews Allison K. Garcia, author of the highly rated novel Vivir el Dream. Allison shares her perspective as a writer, counselor, and Christian active in her church and the local Latino community. The stories of those she has known and lived life with serve as inspiration for her novel about the undocumented immigrant experience. Vivir el Dream is an evocative book with many themes woven throughout, such as Christian faith, desperation, empathy, and hope. Jaye’s conv...
Oct 01, 2017•36 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Episode 13 - Jemele Told the Truth In today's episode, Jaye discusses the controversial tweets by ESPN personality Jemele Hill regarding Donald Trump. What about the substance of her tweets? And why is the White House reaction to these tweets problematic for democracy? Jaye also talks authoritarianism, and speaks directly to people who supported Trump in November 2016. Citations: Gaines, Cork. 2017. "The Simple Explanation for Why ESPN Did Not Fire Jemele Hill but Did Fire Curt Schilling." Busin...
Sep 17, 2017•22 min•Season 1Ep. 13
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes sensitive subjects, such as sexual assault, rape, and child abuse, which may be triggering to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In today's episode, Jaye talks religious "insider baseball" regarding the Nashville Statement and American evangelicalism. After a turbulent August in the United States with Charlottesville and Hurricane Harvey, and Trump's words and actions regarding domestic terrorism, transgender people in the military, the pardoni...
Sep 03, 2017•26 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In today's episode, host Jaye Pool reacts to the Charlottesville domestic terror attack, and the failure of presidential leadership in response. Jaye also seeks to encourage listeners that among the negativity, there are signs of light and hope for America's future. Citations: Angwin, Julia, Larson, Jeff, Mattu, Surya, and Lauren Kirchner. 2017. “Machine Bias.” Propublica. May 23. https://www.propublica.org/article/machine-bias-risk-assessments-in-criminal-sentencing (August 20, 2017) Barry-Jest...
Aug 20, 2017•24 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the Russia investigation updates and the new grand jury impaneled by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Jaye also talks about why echo chambers, byproducts of the Internet age and democratization of information, are bad for America. Citations: LaFraniere, Sharon, and Adam Goldman. 2017. "Guest List at Donald Trump Jr.'s Meeting with Russia Expands Again." The New York Times. July 18. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/us/politics/trump-meeting-russia.htm...
Aug 06, 2017•18 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In today's episode, host Jaye Pool updates listeners on the status of Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal / Trumpcare efforts in the United States Senate. Will the Senate vote on Obamacare repeal and replacement, or repeal only? Why, in the words of Donald Trump, is health care reform "so complicated?" Thank you for listening! Citations: Caldwell, Leigh Ann. 2017. "Confusion Grips Senate GOP Ahead of Expected Health Care Vote." NBC News. July 21. http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/confusion-g...
Jul 23, 2017•17 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In today's episode, host Jaye Pool analyzes how the Third Way of the Democratic Party and the Religious Right, aligned with the Republican party, have led to a fractured, broken political system and democracy in peril. Delving into the histories of both movements that span several decades, Jaye argues that while these movements are different ideologically, both are rooted in a common choice to compromise on core values. Have these choices Democrats and white evangelical Christians made to compro...
Jul 09, 2017•28 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In Part 2 of our two-parter first installment of Riverside Chats, host Jaye Pool is joined by her husband Chuckles as they share with listeners just a little bit of their lively political conversations - as a couple with differing political views. Today's episode includes a conversation about the usefulness of historical parallels to describe current political conditions. Jaye and Chuckles discuss the politics of fear and the framing of today's leadership in reference to past events. Do even hyp...
Jun 25, 2017•24 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In Part 1 of our two-parter first installment of Riverside Chats, host Jaye Pool is joined by her husband Chuckles as they share with listeners just a little bit of their lively political conversations - as a couple with differing political views. Today's episode includes debates regarding illegal immigration, the future of health care, the economy and jobs, student loans, Hillary Clinton, and Democratic Party strategy for 2018 and 2020. The Riverside Chats special format is brought to Potstirre...
Jun 11, 2017•39 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the Trump-Russia scandal and President Donald Trump's well-publicized international trip, as well as the CBO score on the revised Trumpcare bill and the Democratic Party's infighting over the abortion issue. In addition, Jaye reacts to the statement made by evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. that Trump is evangelicals' "dream president." Citations: Liptak, Adam. 2017. "Justices Reject 2 Gerrymandered North Carolina Districts, Citing Racial Bias." Th...
May 28, 2017•17 min•Season 1Ep. 5
