We are building a big COMMUNITY of people like yourself who value nonpartisan information and civil discussions about important topics. Absolutely no Democratic or Republican Party talking points, just the weight of the evidence. Please join our growing community by subscribing to our newsletter . On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Juliette Kayyem to talk about her newest book, The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters . Be sure to read her exc...
Apr 05, 2022•32 min•Season 2022Ep. 13
Please consider SUBSCRIBING to our newsletter ! It takes only a few seconds and you can help us build a big community of Americans devoted to nonpartisan information and civil discourse. We hope you subscribe! On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are discussing a phenomenon occurring in the United States and a number of countries around the world: the median age of our population is rising . Here to discuss this with us is political scientist Mark Sachleben . Episode Music: “Please...
Mar 24, 2022•36 min•Season 2022Ep. 12
Subscribe Now for High-Quality Nonpartisan Information: Please SUBSCRIBE to our nonpartisan Connors Newsletter! Get all of our Connors Forum for a Healthy Democracy publications and Utterly Moderate podcasts instantly! On This Utterly Moderate Episode: On this episode of Utterly Moderate we are joined by James Warren , executive editor at NewsGuard , a nonpartisan company that rates news organizations. Warren previously worked as managing editor at the Chicago Tribune , chief media writer at the...
Mar 16, 2022•35 min•Season 2022Ep. 11
First things first. . . SUBSCRIBE! Subscribe to our free newsletter HERE! Get non-partisan analyses, along with all of our podcast episodes, directly to your email inbox each week! Read such newsletter articles as: Do Unauthorized Immigrants Commit a Lot of Crime? Understanding the Gender Pay Gap Our Media Report Card And much more! Segment One: Ukraine Paul Poast , faculty member in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and expert on international relations, joins the...
Mar 10, 2022•53 min•Season 2022Ep. 10
Given the atrocities being committed in Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and his military, our thoughts and prayers and support as always are firmly with the people of Ukraine. We also stand with those Russians who oppose their leader’s actions. On this episode of Utterly Moderate we are talking about economic sanctions and how they might impact Russia in segment one with Alan Cole , the founder of Full Stack Economics . Check out Full Stack Economics , including such articles as: "Five reasons the san...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 2022Ep. 9
Prayers for Ukraine Despite the lighthearted topics on today’s show, we know these are not lighthearted times. Please keep the people of Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers. Let us encourage world leaders to work to end this aggression and bring it to a close as quickly and as peacefully as possible. Axios: “U.S. Official Says a Russian Invasion of Ukraine has Started” Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter If you care about big societal issues, consider having our newsletter and podcasts delivered t...
Feb 23, 2022•45 min•Season 2022Ep. 8
WE HAVE BIG NEWS! Before we talk about this episode, first let us share some big news. . . We have a new free online newsletter that goes straight to your email inbox! If you care about big societal issues and the health of our democracy, and want analyses from a nonpartisan perspective, we hope you will consider subscribing ! Here are the first two articles: "First Media Report Card of 2022" "A Five-Alarm Fire for American Democracy" All newsletter articles by our network of affiliated scholars...
Feb 16, 2022•45 min•Season 2022Ep. 7
A FIVE-ALARM FIRE for AMERICAN DEMOCRACY The warning signs of serious decline for many democracies worldwide are “ flashing red .” In the U.S., we may be on the verge of the “greatest political and constitutional crisis since the Civil War” and quite possibly the “suspension of American democracy as we have known it,” in the words of Robert Kagan. The problems facing American democracy are numerous, including (but not limited to) misinformation and disinformation , election subversion efforts by...
Feb 10, 2022•53 min•Season 2022Ep. 6
In segment one of this Utterly Moderate episode we are joined by Dr. Richard Alley (professor of geosciences at Penn State University) to discuss climate change's impact on the Doomsday Glacier (the nickname given to the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica) and the potentially catastrophic consequences that this could have for sea level rise and coastal cities across the globe. Some research suggests that in as little as five years the glacier could suffer a massive collapse. In segment two we t...
Feb 02, 2022•59 min•Season 2022Ep. 5
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Nyla Rose, who wrestles weekly on TNT and TBS for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) , and independent wrestler/promoter Jimmy Z. We discuss all things professional wrestling! Make sure to check us out at ConnorsForum.org ! Episode Music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar ( creative commons ) “Draw the Sky” by Paul Keane (licensed through TakeTones ) “Reading by Lamplight” by Maarten Schellekens ( creative commons ) “Happy Trails (To You...
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 2022Ep. 4
On this episode of Utterly Moderate we are joined by editor-at-large of the Bulwark Bill Kristol and University of Baltimore law professor Kimberly Wehle . Both Kristol and Wehle help host Lawrence Eppard sort through a bizarre story about elector fraud in the 2020 presidential election as well as how to fix the Electoral Count Act . Most Americans are probably aware that we use the Electoral College to elect presidents. When this happens, state government officials sign “certificates of ascerta...
Jan 21, 2022•50 min•Season 2022Ep. 3
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast , host Lawrence Eppard is joined by former Republican South Carolina Congressman and current executive director of RepublicEN.org Bob Inglis. On their website, RepublicEN asserts that, “We are the EcoRight. . . We stand together because we believe in the power of American free enterprise and innovation to solve climate change. Together, we encourage, embolden, and applaud conservative climate leadership. . . The age of conservative climate disputat...
Jan 13, 2022•52 min•Season 2022Ep. 2
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast , host Lawrence Eppard is joined by a number of political scientists to discuss a variety of topics, from Joe Manchin to the Electoral Count Act to the future of American political parties and much more! Be sure to visit ConnorsForum.org for more about us! Segment 1: James White , political scientist at Concord University. Segment 2: Lawrence Becker , political scientist at California State University, Northridge Alison Dagnes , political scientist...
Jan 05, 2022•1 hr 54 min•Season 2022Ep. 1
On this bonus mini-episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we speak with Jim Helms, who every year delights children in the Richmond, Virginia area by playing Santa Claus. We hope all of our listeners have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and wonderful 2022! See you in the new year with many more episodes! Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar ( creative commons license ) “Silent Night” by Maya Solovéy ( creative commons license ) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...
Dec 24, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 44
This is part one of our Christmas episode! We are joined on this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast by SNL legend Rachel Dratch to discuss her funny new movie A Clüsterfünke Christmas , which she co-wrote and co-starred in with Ana Gasteyer . You can watch A Clüsterfünke Christmas on Comedy Central , Hulu Live , or iTunes ! Throughout this episode we also feature beautiful Christmas music from the Shippensburg University Choir ! Make sure to tune in to the forthcoming part two of this Chris...
Dec 20, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Rosalind Wiseman joins the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss her work promoting dignity and civility among young Americans. Wiseman is the author of a number of books, including Defending Ourselves , Queen Bees & Wannabees , and Masterminds & Wingmen . The movie Mean Girls , which starred Lindsay Lohan and Rachal McAdams, was actually based on Queen Bees & Wannabees. Wiseman is the co-founder and chief content officer of the organization Cultures of Dignity , which works with commu...
Dec 05, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In America, we talk so much about freedom as it is a central part of our identity. When it comes to what freedom entails, most Americans would agree that there are political, social, and economic dimensions. Most agree that in a free society there is a need for order, justice, security, opportunity, and fairness. There is a shared sense that freedom requires the absence of harm and undue interference. Most believe that freedom requires a variety of rights, including those related to speech, prop...
Nov 22, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 41
October was National Book Month, and to celebrate we were joined on the Utterly Moderate Podcast by children's book publishing expert Heather Lennon to talk about the industry she loves and the joys of reading. Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “Make Your Dreams Reality” by Scott Holmes Music (creative commons) “Steppin’ In” by Podington Bear (creative commons) “Happy Trails (To You)” by the Riders in the Sky (used with artist’s permission) See omnystudio.com...
Nov 16, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 40
American democracy is facing very serious challenges, as we have noted in much of our work (see just a few examples here and here and here ). One of the greatest threats is that posed by misinformation and disinformation, as many Americans turn away from credible news and information sources and instead rely on low-quality outlets. With this in mind, on November 2, 2021, we hosted a panel to discuss the importance of journalism in restoring our democracy. Our panel included: Jason Adrians , exec...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Wedding and event planner/coordinator Amy Thunell and Kalero Vineyard owner Ann Fortin join the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss the ins and outs of the wedding industry. Episode music/audio clips: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “Make Your Dreams Reality” by Scott Holmes Music (creative commons) "Canon in D Major” by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (creative commons) “Happy Trails (To You)” by the Riders in the Sky (used with artist’s permission) See omnystudi...
Oct 25, 2021•2 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 38
University of Baltimore law professor Kimberly Wehle joins the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss the various ways in which American democracy is under serious strain as well as actions we can take to turn things around. Read more from Wehle here . Episode music/audio clips: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “Make Your Dreams Reality” by Scott Holmes Music (creative commons) "Cloudbank" by Podington Bear (creative commons) Bruce Springsteen/Jeep Super Bowl commercial (publ...
Oct 11, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 37
It's fall and football season is in full swing, so what better time than now to talk sports on the Utterly Moderate Podcast ? On this episode we are first joined by Mickey Thompson, head football coach at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, VA, where he has won a whopping 83% of his games, 16 district championships, 13 region championships, and 2 state titles! He gives great insight into running a football program and leading young men. Then we are joined by Tina Hill, athletic director at Wils...
Sep 27, 2021•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Sarah Coefield -- who is an air quality specialist at the Missoula City-County Health Department in Missoula, Montana -- joins the Utterly Moderate Podcast to talk about wildfires, air quality, and public health. We also talk about her cat, and it gets weird. Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “Make Your Dreams Reality” by Scott Holmes Music (creative commons) "Steppin' In" by Podington Bear (creative commons) “Happy Trails (To You)” by the Riders in the Sky (...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Amy Fried and Douglas Harris join the show to discuss their book, At War with Government: How Conservatives Weaponized Distrust from Goldwater to Trump. Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “Make Your Dreams Reality” by Scott Holmes Music (creative commons) "Reading by Lamplight" by Maarten Schellekens (creative commons) “Happy Trails (To You)” by the Riders in the Sky (used with artist’s permission) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Happy Labor Day everyone! On this holiday we are celebrating American workers here on the Utterly Moderate Podcast ! We are joined today by Chad Stone , the chief economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities , and Emily Guendelsberger , author of On the Clock: What Low-Wage Work Did to Me and How it Drives America Insane . We discuss the plight of American workers today with a specific focus on the working class. Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “...
Sep 06, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Utterly Moderate listeners have been submitting their guesses to [email protected] for weeks and the day has finally arrived! Who is today's mystery guest?!? A guest that Lawrence booked specifically for Ali? Tune in to find out! Thank you to Melissa Folds, Mario Zangla, and Neil Connelly for their help producing this episode. Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar (creative commons) “Make Your Dreams Reality” by Scott Holmes Music (creative commons) “Happy Trails (To You)” ...
Aug 30, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Eric Trimble joins the show to explain all things funeral to Utterly Moderate listeners. Eric is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Illinois and Iowa, heads the Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory in Coal Valley, Illinois, and has over 50 years of experience in the industry. Eric says that, “I truly find meaning in helping people at a time when no one else can help them. My father taught me that being a funeral director is a sacred calling because we are entrusted with the most valuabl...
Aug 23, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Judy Kurtz and Jason Adrians join the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss the ins and outs of journalism. Judy Kurtz has worked as a newspaper columnist and television commentator and is currently an entertainment reporter for the Hill . She has worked at and/or contributed to a number of outlets during her career, including HLN, Sky News, E! News, Canada's Sun Network, SiriusXM satellite radio, Washington's Fox 5, Fox 45 in Baltimore, and People Magazine. Jason Adrians is the national editor at...
Aug 16, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 30
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast , Lawrence and Ali interview conservative political commentator, nationally syndicated columnist, and Bulwark policy editor and podcaster Mona Charen . Their discussion covers the work of the Bulwark , the problems of misinformation and disinformation , the meaning of conservatism, the decline in decency, extreme partisanship, the “Big Lie” and its disastrous consequences, the health of American democracy, Charen’s take of the Biden administration’...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Kathleen Romig joins the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss the future of the Social Security program . Romig is a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities . Her research focuses on Social Security, SSI, paid leave, and other government budget issues. Romig has previously worked at the Social Security Administration, Social Security Advisory Board, Congressional Research Service, and Office of Management and Budget. Episode music: “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar ...
Aug 02, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 28
