Can autonomous vehicles really improve road safety and revolutionize our daily commutes? Join us as we tackle this fascinating question with Adam Kovacevich from the Chamber of Progress, who brings firsthand experience from his time at Google and Waymo. Adam shares his journey and unpacks the technological and policy challenges that come with creating fully autonomous vehicles. We dive into the critical need for full autonomy to avoid driver complacency and explore a variety of business models f...
Jun 23, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 247
Embark on an enlightening exploration of American politics with me, Rich Helppie, as I welcome Justin Higgins, the insightful host of Politics and Media 101, to dissect the complexities and undercurrents shaping our nation's political discourse. Together, we dissect the overshadowed, yet consequential, races and issues that slip past public scrutiny amidst the hype of presidential campaigns. We probe the perplexing inner workings of the GOP, the centrists' influence on electing the House Speaker...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 246
Embark on a riveting exploration of the multifaceted relationship between the US and Europe as we're joined by Robert Greenfield, a seasoned world traveler with an expansive grasp of global affairs. Together, we traverse the landscape of Europe's defense autonomy, societal shifts stemming from immigration and demographic changes, and the continent's economic hurdles, all under the looming influence of US politics. Our guest's profound insights shed light on the integration challenges faced by Eu...
May 26, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 245
Discover the shadowy tactics behind sports washing as Brian Hess, from the Sports Fans Coalition, joins me, Rich Helpe, on the Common Bridge to unravel how countries ingeniously clean their image through sports. Peel back the layers of this global phenomenon, beginning with the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, and witness its modern incarnation with countries like Saudi Arabia stepping into the sporting limelight. Through Brian's expertise, we examine the clout of the NFL, NCAA football, and socce...
May 12, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 244
Are we letting tribal loyalties cloud our judgment in politics? Join me, Richard Helppie, as we confront this burning question on the Common Bridge, where I dissect the alarming repercussions of favoring party over policy. Witness a compelling examination of the dangers that lie in the heart of partisan divides and the pressing need for a paradigm shift toward policy-centric governance. From exposing media propaganda to questioning the bipolar grasp of major parties on our political system, this...
Apr 28, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 243
In the conclusion of this two-part conversation with Beth Bourne, Rich and Beth talk about the harrowing decisions and ethical crossroads faced by individuals navigating gender dysphoria. Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged as we dissect the medical community's delicate dance between preventing harm and honoring the deeply personal journeys towards one's 'authentic self.' Our conversation ventures into the controversial realms of body contouring, hormone therapies, and the potentially...
Apr 14, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 242
When Beth Bourne's daughter declared her transgender identity at just 13, it sent shockwaves through their family life, challenging Beth's beliefs and opening a dialogue that few are prepared for. Join us on the Common Bridge as we navigate the turbulent waters of transgender rights and gender ideology with her. Our heartfelt conversation explores the impact of LGBTQIA+ education in public schools, the influence of early sexual and gender identity labeling on children, and the powerful societal ...
Mar 31, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 241
When faith meets public square, the intersection can be complex. On The Common Bridge, we navigate these crossroads with Bill McKenzie and Chris Walsh, delving into the potency of religious pluralism in underpinning democracy. Their profound insights spring from a wealth of experience—Bill's front-row seat to George W. Bush's political ascent, and Chris's global efforts to champion democratic principles. Together, we cut through the noise around religion's role in society, examining how diverse ...
Mar 17, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 240
In this episode titled "Response to Reader-Listener-Viewer Mail" of the host, Richard Helppie, delves into a diverse range of thought-provoking questions and comments from his engaged online audience. Touching upon hot-button topics of the time, Richard fearlessly navigates the murky waters of politics, starting with an insightful examination of the Trump v Biden rivalry. With his uniquely unbiased and diplomatic approach, Richard analytically dissects the policies, achievements, and controversi...
Mar 03, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 239
Unlock the secrets behind boosting school attendance and graduation rates with Ohio's own Bill Seitz and Dani Isaacsohn. Our latest podcast episode delivers a compelling conversation on House Bill 348 and the bold, bipartisan strategy to use cash incentives as a catalyst for educational success. We're not just talking about the principles of the bill; we're diving into the stories and data that have shaped its creation, with personal insights from two legal minds passionately invested in the fut...
Feb 18, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 238
Kevin Fisher's raw and powerful narrative takes center stage as he joins us for a poignant conversation about loss, love, and the drive to make a difference in the mental health landscape. His journey from business to advocacy, precipitated by his son's battle with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is a stirring reminder of the human stories behind the statistics. In shedding light on his son's struggles and the family's relentless pursuit of help amidst a crisis, Kevin's experience underscore...
Feb 04, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 237
Ever wondered what happens behind the political curtains during the heated rush of primary elections? Dive into a gripping conversation with Congressman Dean Phillips as we peel back the layers of the Democratic primaries and his eye-opening campaign trail adventures. Phillips sheds light on his New Hampshire primary surprise and the DNC's delegate allocation controversy, providing a rare glimpse into the strategic intricacies of the South Carolina primary and Michigan's open primary system. As ...
Jan 26, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 236
As American voters voice their exasperation with traditional party lines, the No Labels movement emerges as a beacon of bipartisan problem-solving. Picture this: an America where the lesser of two evils is no longer the default choice at the ballot box. This episode welcomes the esteemed former Governor of North Carolina, Pat McCrory, whose rich experiences within the two-party system shed light on the potential upheaval that a third-party could bring to the political landscape. Together, we scr...
Jan 07, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 235
Peel back the layers of history with Dr. Todd Endelman, as he joins us to dissect the complex tapestry of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From the rise of Jewish nationalism amidst European anti-Semitism to the absence of a historical Palestinian state, we tackle head-on the misconceptions that cloud our understanding of this enduring struggle. With Dr. Endelman's expertise, gain a fresh perspective on the significant wars, the British mandate, and the evolution of Arab nationalism that have a...
Jan 07, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 234
What happens when two politically inclined podcasters, born out of the world of writing, collide? You get a riveting and insightful discussion between yours truly, Rich Helpe, and Russell Dabular from Due Dissidence. We're taking you on a journey from the bustling streets of Flushing, New York, to the global stage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and finally, landing in the heart of economics and politics. Have you ever found yourself confused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? It's a comp...
Dec 24, 2023•56 min•Season 5Ep. 233
Welcome to a captivating episode of the Common Bridge, where we sit down with the three-term congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, Dean Phillips. Prepare to be inspired as Phillips shares the story of his unique journey - from growing up fatherless due to the Vietnam war to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His resolve to bridge the partisan divide in America's political landscape fuels his desire to run for president. You'll hear about his daughter's inspiring battle with cancer ...
Dec 10, 2023•49 min•Season 5Ep. 232
Wondering how to shield yourself from the rising tide of cyber threats? Do you have a small or medium-sized business with limited resources for a dedicated IT security staff? Fret not, as we bring you insights straight from cybersecurity experts, Rick Snyder, the 48th Governor of Michigan, and Dave Bint, the co-founder and Chief Client Success Officer of SenSai. Join us as we journey through their professional sagas, discuss the inception of SenSai, and explore why cybersecurity is a concern tha...
Nov 17, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 231
Highlighting the incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking journey of Adam Coleman, we engage in a powerful conversation that leaves no stone unturned. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his passionate advocacy ignited by George Floyd's death, Coleman’s mission is to empower those who feel unheard. As an op-ed writer, public speaker, and host of Good Faith Space, he openly shares his experiences with fatherlessness, homelessness, and masculinity. We delve into a range of gripping topics, ...
Nov 05, 2023•50 min•Season 5Ep. 230
Unearth the hard truths behind the housing crisis and homelessness with our distinguished guest, Professor Gregg Colburn, from the University of Washington. His perspectives from his insightful book "Homelessness is a Housing Problem" gives us more than just an academic exploration of this pressing issue - it presents us with solutions. Ever wondered why homelessness is five times more prevalent in coastal cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and New York, compared to cities like Chicago and Balt...
Oct 19, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 229
Welcome to Season 5 of The Common Bridge as we sift through the political and media chaos with your host Richard Helppie. As we strip away the narratives, we promise to offer our growing audience of over 4 million viewers, readers, and listeners, a fiercely non-partisan perspective on the escalating tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties, the corruption tainting our media, and the looming threats to our justice system. We'll dissect key political figures, from Donald Trump to Joe ...
Oct 09, 2023•15 min•Season 5Ep. 228
Hold on tight as we examine the roots of tribalism in our media and question the effects of party loyalty on our political discourse. As we wrap up season four of the Common Bridge, we invite you to challenge the mainstream narratives and engage with critical societal issues. The traditional media's role in promoting tribalism is examined with a critical lens, urging you to demand better behavior from our elected leaders. This episode takes us deep into the world of political tribalism, highligh...
Oct 02, 2023•9 min•Season 4Ep. 227
While walking through the streets of Detroit, it's hard not to be moved by the sheer resilience of its people. Yet, as we explore the city, we also find ourselves confronted with the stark realities of spiritual and material crises that plague the community. In our most recent conversation with Zoe Kennedy, he shines a light on the work of local activists, bringing forth a tale of strength, perseverance, and hope. He opens the floor to a discussion about Force Detroit, an organization tackling t...
Sep 24, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 226
Ready to decode the tangled web of big tech and government regulation? Today's episode promises to do just that, with an in-depth look at the antitrust investigations into giants like Amazon, Google, and potentially Apple. Our guest, Adam Kovacevich, leader of the Chamber of Progress, lends his expertise as we explore the intricacies of Amazon's Prime bundle, Prime label, and buy box policies. We ponder the potential effects on retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco while considering the lon...
Sep 07, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 225
Join us on an intense exploration of the US political landscape, with our special guest - Thomas Hicks, a dedicated voter from Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas brings his unique perspective on the voting process in his home state, where recent elections have been nail-bitingly close. Amid the swirling controversy around the integrity of Georgia's voting process, he stands firm in his faith in the system and passionately advocates for the implementation of secure online voting. From the legacy of the Tru...
Sep 03, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 224
Prepare to set sail on a voyage of discovery with us in the third and final part of a three-part series of conversations with our insightful guest, Robert Greenfield. We're mapping out the territories of Indigenous Peoples' rights, immigration complexities, and the landscape of digital media. We're journeying through the rich historical narratives of Aboriginal people in Australia to the ongoing debate on their recognition. As we navigate these waters, we promise you'll gain new perspectives on ...
Sep 03, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 223
What if you could navigate the stormy seas of today's political climate with a non-partisan compass? Picture yourself engaging with the deep-seated narratives around election deniers and dementia deniers, the political prosecutions of Donald Trump, and the impact of age on voters' preferences. We also highlight possible alternatives to Trump, like Gavin Newsom, and the intriguing proposition of DeSantis and Christie banding together to challenge Trump. Join Richard and Robert Greenfield in the s...
Aug 27, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 222
Join us as we welcome back our favorite globetrotter, Robert Greenfield! As he navigates his recent move from Australia to Europe, he brings a fresh perspective on life, culture, and the political landscape following the pandemic. We kick off with a unique blend of sports and travel, diving into the thrill of a Detroit Tigers game, the anticipation of Detroit Lions' playoffs, and the lifestyle transition from a tropical Australian climate to chilly Europe. Brace yourselves as we venture into the...
Aug 20, 2023•57 min
Join us on The Common Bridge as Rich talks with stage, screen, and television star Greg Jbara's inspiring journey from a public school system to Juilliard and his rise in the performing arts. We explore the impact of the ongoing Writers Guild strike, differences between guilds, challenges faced by actors and producers, and how automation is reshaping the industry. We emphasize supporting artists and understanding the issues driving the strike. Tune in as we navigate the shifting sands of enterta...
Aug 13, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 220
Join Rich in a thought-provoking discussions with Konstantin Kissen, a prominent comedian and YouTube sensation. They explore his journey from Moscow to England, the influence of censorship and cancel culture on comedy, and the limitations of the right versus left political paradigm. Delving into public perception versus media portrayal, they analyze hypocrisy among political leaders and the erosion of public trust. They discuss declining caliber among politicians fueled by social media and 24-h...
Aug 07, 2023•49 min•Season 4Ep. 219
Rich responds to selected questions and comments from his nearly four million viewers, listeners and readers of The Common Bridge. Topics range included censorship, Big Tech, First and Second Amendments, and more. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!
Jul 30, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 218
