Ever wonder how the proposed assault weapons ban might reshape our society? Or question how common sense could be applied to the Second Amendment? Join us as we welcome back Ryan Busey, author of "Gunfight", for a compelling discussion on these topics and more. We reflect on the societal norms set by the 1994–2004 ban and explore bipartisan-supported policies such as universal background checks and setting a higher minimum purchase age for semi-automatic rifles. Exploring the intricacies of fire...
Jul 23, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 217
Peel back the curtain on the divisive discourse around guns and gun laws in America with my captivating conversation with Ryan Bussey, author of the book Gunfight. As an experienced outdoorsman, hunter, conservationist, and influential figure in the firearms industry, Ryan’s insights promise to reshape perceptions and prompt critical thinking. His rural upbringing on a ranch has deeply shaped his views on gun responsibility, providing him a unique vantage point to discuss the breakdown of norms ...
Jul 16, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 216
What are the policies needed to overcome today's small business workforce challenges? Join us for an insightful conversation with our special guest, Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. From automation to remote work to artificial intelligence, we discuss these changes' impact on the tax base and how they've shaped the journey of Brian's extensive career, including his time as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. We also dive into the vital policy work to co...
Jul 09, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 215
What if you were given a blank canvas to construct a new country from scratch - What would your ideal nation look like? Tune in as I challenge you to contemplate this intriguing thought experiment. From governance and prosperity to equality and leadership, we delve into the fundamental building blocks of nationhood and the meticulous considerations it entails. In this candid discourse, I put forth provocative questions about power dynamics, checks against tyranny, and the responsibilities you wo...
Jul 03, 2023•12 min•Season 4Ep. 214
Was the Kennedy Assassination the beginning of conspiracy theories that spawned today’s rampant mistrust of government and the reporting industry? Renowned investigative reporter and author Gerald Posner discusses the newly-released CIA records about the 1963 murder of the president in this riveting episode. Mr. Posner is the author of 13 books, and he describes his investigative process for The Common Bridge. Investigating without an expectation of a particular outcome or conclusion has been a ...
Jun 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 213
World War II is often portrayed as a period of national unity and purpose in the USA. However, many of the same divisions present today existed then. As the country pivoted to a war economy and then back to a civilian economy, the opportunities for corruption and incompetence were rife. Enter an honest and capable Senator from Missouri – Harry S. Truman. NPR’s Steve Drummond, author of “The Watchdog – How the Truman Committee Battled Corruption and Helped World War II” guests on The Common Bridg...
Jun 09, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 212
How do we navigate the controversial and sensitive topic of transgenderism and pediatric gender medicine? Today, we're joined by Leor Sapir, a PhD holder in Political Science, who shares his insights from years of analyzing the legal, policy, and evidence-based landscape surrounding gender affirming care. We'll explore the medicalization of young people, the concept of the transgender child, and the ethical considerations of these treatments. We discuss the contentious issue of informed consent ...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 211
After an informative discussion on the PEPFAR program, in Part 2 of this interview Dr. Birx responds to Rich’s questions about the loss of scientific credibility in the 2020 Covid pandemic response. CDC Policies were not designed for, nor were responsive to the coronavirus pandemic, causing the CDC to fail the country and support policy actions often didn’t match the science or the data of the time. Dr. Birx casts light on herd immunity and discusses pandemic and broad health concerns in rural A...
Jun 02, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 210
20 years ago, as HIV and AIDS threatened vast populations in sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, Guyana and Vietnam, the US Government made the largest investment in battling a pandemic. Known as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). May 27th marked the 20th anniversary of the creation of this bipartisan program which coordinated the work of government agencies and local governments to reduce the infections. Dr. Deborah Birx, who had a significant role in the program visits The Common ...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 209
This week on The Common Bridge, Rich's guest is M.L. Elrick, a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winning Investigative Reporter. ML leads the discussion from the intensely competitive “keep ‘em honest” role of the 4th Estate to national media degrading from reporting facts to the spread of affirmation programming. All beginning with a current story about how closure of a media room at City Hall in Detroit, Michigan thwarts the mission. The media access to City Hall helped expose the crimes of former...
May 22, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 208
In the aftermath of the the CNN Town Hall, Rich argues that Donald Trump lacks the skills required to be President and would not be a good choice to lead the Republican Party in the upcoming elections. Despite Trump's appeal to some voters, Helppie suggests that the country needs to move on from the Biden versus Trump narrative and choose better candidates, citing issues with the current administration, fear of censorship, and concerns over Biden's age and health as factors contributing to Trump...
May 12, 2023•11 min•Season 4Ep. 207
We cordially invite you to watch, listen, or read this episode of The Common Bridge. Join Rich as he delves into the insights of an educational leader, Dr. Ernestine Sanders, who presents a data-driven model that ensures all kids can achieve academic success while building strong character. This episode offers valuable lessons for public and private schools, policy-makers, and anyone interested in improving the education system. Discover how standards, incentives, mandates, and pandemic policies...
May 04, 2023•57 min•Season 4Ep. 206
In a very popular episode from Season 3, Rich welcomes Professor Emeritus of Texas Christian University to talk about society and civilization in history and how common forces or influences can affect stability today just as it did in antiquity. A fascinating conversation that involves reflections on Greece, Rome, Russia and the US. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!...
Apr 30, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 205
Upon his return from vacation, Rich addresses headlines in the news and fields a few audience queries. He sifts through topics, seeking out the ridiculous and the impactful. These include the Trump indictment, Tennessee House Expulsions, the role of guns in the nation's issues, Dominion Voting Systems & Fox News, George Santos & Congressional Circus, Majorie Taylor Green, Diane Feinstein & Senate Replacement from California, the distinction between nonpartisan public service and poli...
Apr 18, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 204
Rich welcomes Kory to The Common Bridge, a Substack author and Twitter personality of "Show Me The Data." They cover a broad range of topics, including living partially off the grid, student debt, the ease with which porn purveyors access children, a unique take on Black History Month, and others from a data-driven and perhaps Libertarian perspective. Don't miss this episode! Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!...
Apr 10, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 203
The Godfather of Supply Chain, Bill Michels, returns to The Common Bridge. Mr. Michels’ forecasts from his earlier appearances have proven accurate. Today he calls for Agility, Flexibility and Resiliency as the economy grapples with the Geopolitical situation, interest rates, stress on manufacturing companies, looming bankruptcies, the end of seeking cheap labor globally, and pandemic changes becoming permanent. How big a role will Automation and artificial intelligence play and at what cost to ...
Apr 03, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 202
Two things that are certain, death and taxes. The Common Bridge has covered tax policies from many angles. So, this week we will wade into the topic of death. In these times of great division, one thing we can agree on is that death is a certain eventuality. Today a leader from the funeral industry – a pioneer, teacher and practitioner, Martha Thayer, discusses the art, science and the law of death and funerals. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!...
Mar 27, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 201
To celebrate his 200th episode of The Common Bridge, Rich spends a few minutes reflecting on his take of modern journalism, then replays an earlier episode where he has author, journalist, and political analyst, Matt Taibbi on to talk about the circling of the drain of American journalism. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Mar 25, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 200
Voters want compromise yet parties depend on partisanship... The 50 states are said to be the laboratories of democracy... There is widespread voter unease with the current voting system.... In our continuing series about election reform ideas, Rich welcomes to The Common Bridge Joe Kirby from South Dakota. Could open primaries bring better candidates? Would representatives be more in touch and more responsive with the electorate? Open primaries - a way of reforming or even disintermediation the...
Mar 10, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 199
Rich and former Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox, discuss the environmental disaster, contamination, and resulting illnesses from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. For 35 years, Marines, soldiers, Navy personnel and others were infected with contaminated water. How did this happen? What’s the VA‘s role? What are the ABCs of getting justice? Watch, Listen or Read about this and more in this week’s episode of The Common Bridge. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Brid...
Mar 08, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 198
Authors of the epic book, “Nothing is Too Big to Fail" Kerry and Linda Killinger return to the Common Bridge. An update on bubbles, government policy and the disconnect between United States citizens and the policies and viewpoints of their government. These Pulitzer nominated authors, have data that encompasses nearly every aspect of the economy that affects nearly every person. Don't miss this outstanding episode. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!...
Mar 01, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 197
Justin Higgins, host of the “Politics and Media 101” podcast, joins Rich on The Common Bridge for a fresh take about issues of the day and media coverage. Higgins brings first-hand knowledge from our nation’s capitol in part 2 of this 2-part series. These two rising independent journalists cover Hunter Biden’s Laptop, House Committee Assignments, Green Shoots of Bipartisanship, COVID policies, Ukraine, China, Nuclear War and end with a great look at the 2024 POTUS election. Support the show Enga...
Feb 22, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 196
Justin Higgins, host of the “Politics and Media 101” podcast, joins Rich on The Common Bridge to talk about issues of the day and media coverage or non-coverage. Higgins brings the Washington insider look at what’s important In part 1 of a 2-part series, these two Independent interviewers discuss Chinese balloons, who’s got what documents, Federal Debt, Social Security with today’s demographics, Twitter files, Disinformation about Russian Disinformation, and Hamilton 68. Support the show Engage ...
Feb 16, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 195
In celebration of Black History Month, Rich invites Brian Kruger to The Common Bridge to talk about his Emmy-Nominated documentary, “Black and Blue- The Story of Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, and the 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game.” Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Feb 11, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 194
Rich responds to comments, emails, and reactions from Common Bridge readers, listeners and viewers. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Feb 05, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 193
The old media model on its deathbed? Soon to follow the idea of profiting from political polarization? Rich sits for an interview to reflect on nearly 200 episodes. Seems there is an audience to hear, see and read about good people doing good things and learned people providing deep insight. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Jan 27, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 192
Medical Assistance In Dying. Rich and Psychiatrist Dr. Nicholas Tito discuss the upcoming changes to Canada’s MAID law. A deep conversation about eligibility for assisted death, juxtaposition and conflict with mental health treatment and societal impacts. Your thoughtful comments welcomed at Substack. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!...
Jan 21, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 191
Rich and noted columnist, author and analyst Adam Coleman discuss how slanted reporting ultimately hurts those exercising the bias and those targeted by it. Adam slams fandom and team sport mentality of politics and reporting. The noise blocks policy solutions and drives division. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Jan 14, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 190
Dr. Lauran Star, Ph. D, brings her practical experience with implementing measurable programs for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in enterprises of all types. Definitions and practical experience beyond the headlines and the hype. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Jan 06, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 189
Rich talks about the emerging new media model and invites your participation on The Common Bridge. Follow and comment on this episode on Substack https://thecommonbridge.substack.com/ Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Jan 02, 2023•6 min•Season 4Ep. 188
